Are Ozempic side effects more common in females?

Ozempic (semaglutide)carries a risk of side effects, and some research suggests females may be more likely than males to experience headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, among others. Read on for a closer look at Ozempic side effects in females and how to manage them.

Research on GLP-1 medications points to a few side effects that show up more often in females than males:including  headache, nausea, and vomiting. Here's what the data shows for each.

Check your coverage for FDA-approved GLP-1s—for free

Check for free

Headache

In one study of GLP-1 drugs (but not Ozempic specifically), females were almost eight times more likely to report headache than males. This came from voluntary reports, though, so it’s more of a rough signal than an exact figure. Fortunately most headaches on Ozempic tend to be mild and temporary.

Headache could be a sign of dehydration or even hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which is more likely to happen when Ozempic is combined with another blood-sugar-lowering medicine, such as insulin or sulfonylureas. Other signs of low blood sugar include:

• Dizziness

• Sweating

• Confusion

• Blurred vision

• Slurred speech

• Shakiness

• Fast heartbeat

• Irritability or mood changes

• Hunger

• Weakness

• Feeling jittery 

Dizziness

In the same study, females were about 3.5 times more likely than males to experience dizziness when taking GLP-1s. Similar to the headache data, this number is based on voluntary reports, so it’s an estimate rather than an exact figure. 

In Ozempic's clinical trials, dizziness was reported infrequently overall. 

As with headache, dizziness could be a sign of low blood sugar, which is more likely when a blood-sugar-lowering medicine such as insulin is combined with Ozempic. 

Nausea and vomiting

The same study found that females were about 4.5 times more likely than males to experience vomiting when taking GLP-1 medications. Other research on GLP-1 medications generally (not Ozempic specifically) has found similar patterns: females are more likely to experience gastrointestinal side effects overall, including nausea and vomiting.

In the studies we reviewed, researchers didn’t hypothesize why females were more likely to experience headache and dizziness on GLP-1s. However, they suggested a number of reasons why females may experience more nausea and vomiting on Ozempic and similar medications.

For one, females are more likely to experience GI disorders in general. "The sensitivity to GI side effects of GLP1s may be more pronounced in women because they already have a longer gut transit time compared to men," says Beverly Tchang, MD, Obesity Medicine Advisor for Ro and assistant professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. "A slower gut may predispose them to constipation and reflux."

Researchers also hypothesized that females' lower average body weight could allow for more exposure to the medication's active ingredient. In studies of GLP-1 medications generally, people on higher dosages were more likely to report gastrointestinal side effects.

Another factor could be underlying biological  differences between females and males. Some studies show that females tend to have slightly more insulin-producing beta cells in their pancreas and may respond to GLP-1 medications somewhat differently overall. GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic act directly on the pancreas, prompting it to release more insulin when blood sugar levels get too high. Researchers are still working out exactly how these differences translate into the side effects women experience. 

In some cases (though not always), nausea and vomiting could signal an allergic reaction, which requires prompt medical attention. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience:

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

• Trouble swallowing or breathing

• Severe rash or itching

• Fainting

• Very rapid heartbeat

You can always ask your healthcare provider for tips on managing Ozempic side effects. But, the strategies below seem to be the most helpful for people experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.

Change up your eating habits

Improving your eating habits can help you reach your weight loss goals — and it can also relieve many of the troublesome side effects of Ozempic, including nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.

If you're experiencing nausea, low-fat, bland foods such as crackers and rice can offer relief. Fried, fatty foods can worsen nausea, so opt for healthier cooking methods, such as boiling or baking. Mint and ginger root can also relieve nausea on Ozempic. Be careful of mint if you are also experiencing acid reflux because it could potentially make your reflux worse. 

If you're experiencing diarrhea, avoid foods that contain dairy or artificial sweeteners, and limit coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol. Temporarily reduce your fiber intake, favoring chicken broth, rice, carrots, and ripe fruit (without the skin) until your diarrhea resolves. Then slowly reintroduce additional foods into your diet.

If you're experiencing constipation, you'll actually want to increase the fiber in your diet. Fiber-rich foods include whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.

Slow down during meals

Changing what you eat can help you manage Ozempic side effects. So can changing how you eat. Follow these tips to relieve gastrointestinal side effects on Ozempic:

• Eat slowly and mindfully, focusing on how the food tastes.

• Eat smaller meals, more frequently as opposed to larger meals, less often.

• Only eat when you’re hungry, and stop eating once you feel full.

• Avoid eating too close to bedtime, and don’t lie down right  after you eat.

Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is a good idea in general, but it’s especially important for people experiencing fluid loss due to vomiting and diarrhea on Ozempic. 

Drink plenty of water, but take care to drink it in small sips to avoid feeling too full. You can further increase your water intake by eating water-rich foods such as soups, yogurt, and gelatin. 

If you’re experiencing frequent nausea or vomiting, avoid drinking liquids during meals. Instead, drink water or other liquids about 30–60 minutes before or after you eat.

Get some fresh air (and exercise)

Increasing your physical activity in general can help with weight loss, and it can also help relieve constipation on Ozempic. Ozempic is also intended to be used alongside healthy eating habits and exercise.

If you’re experiencing nausea, light exercise after a meal may help you feel better. You don’t want to do anything too vigorous, but an easy stroll outside can help relieve nausea on Ozempic.

Ozempic side effects in women typically follow the same general timeline as in men, though they may feel more pronounced given the higher likelihood of experiencing them.

Ozempic side effects typically last for 8–12 weeks, during the dose titration period. Ozempic follows a titration schedule, starting at a 0.25 mg weekly dose and increasing gradually to a maintenance dose over the course of 12–16 weeks. 

Most people experience gastrointestinal side effects within one week to one month of starting Ozempic, and these may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain. Side effects are more likely to happen right after a dose increase. 

Nausea is Ozempic's most common side effect, affecting up to 20.3% of people in clinical trials who were taking the 1 mg dose. The worst nausea tends to occur early into treatment (while the dose is being increased) and then ease the longer you’re on a steady dose. 

After those first few months have passed and the body has acclimated to the maintenance dose, GI side effects typically start to subside . 

Start your journey

No, females are not more likely to experience long-term side effects of Ozempic, although some small trials have shown they could be more likely to have common short-term side effects. When it comes to the serious side effects of Ozempic, studies have found that females and males are equally likely to experience them. 

While rare, serious side effects can happen on Ozempic. These include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), diabetic retinopathy (diabetes-related vision changes), hypoglycemia, serious allergic reactions, gallbladder disease, and kidney problems. 

Yes, some small trials suggest Ozempic side effects may be more common in females than males, though it's not fully settled — most research to date has focused on GLP-1 receptor agonists as a class (which includes Ozempic) rather than Ozempic specifically.

Research on sex differences in Ozempic side effects is still ongoing, and part of the challenge is that many GLP-1 and Ozempic studies skew heavily female (some studies have had 75% or more female  participants), without always breaking out results by sex. 

Still, the research available so far suggests females taking GLP-1 medications may be more likely than males to experience side effects overall — particularly gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting, as well as headache and dizziness. The GLP-1 class also includes other medications for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) (which technically also acts on GIP).

Researchers suspect this could be due to a number of reasons, from hormonal to anatomical differences between the sexes. Females are also more likely to experience gastrointestinal disorders in general. 

Side effects of Ozempic 

Regardless of sex, Ozempic primarily causes gastrointestinal side effects. Many are more intense early on and ease as the body adjusts to the medication. Here's a look at Ozempic's most common side effects overall, and how many people (both male and female) reported them in clinical trials:

If you have any concerns about Ozempic side effects, contact your healthcare provider. However, there are some cases where you should definitely reach out.

While rare, Ozempic can cause serious side effects. Below we’ve listed the potentially serious side effects of Ozempic, and the warning signs to watch out for. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

Signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

As a blood-sugar-lowering agent, Ozempic can cause low blood sugar, especially in people with type 2 diabetes who take insulin or sulfonylureas alongside it. Signs of low blood sugar include:

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Sweating

• Confusion or drowsiness

• Headache

• Blurred vision

• Slurred speech

• Shakiness

• Fast heartbeat

• Anxiety, irritability, or mood changes

• Hunger

• Weakness

• Feeling jittery

Signs of a serious allergic reaction

While rare, some people may be allergic to semaglutide or the inactive ingredients in Ozempic. Signs of a serious allergic reaction include:

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

• Severe rash or itching

• Fainting or feeling dizzy

• Very rapid heartbeat

Signs of pancreatitis

Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, has been reported in clinical trials of Ozempic. The main warning sign of pancreatitis is severe stomach pain that does not go away. It may or may not be accompanied by vomiting, and you may feel the pain radiate from your stomach to your back. If you experience these symptoms, stop taking Ozempic and contact your healthcare provider.

Signs of kidney failure

Some of Ozempic’s GI side effects can cause fluid loss and dehydration that can worsen kidney problems. If you experience severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, talk to your healthcare provider about how to rehydrate.

Signs of gallbladder problems

Some people may develop gallbladder issues when taking Ozempic, including gallstones and inflammation. If you experience the following symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away:

• Pain in the upper stomach

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

• Fever

• Clay-colored stool 

Signs of diabetic retinopathy

In a clinical trial, diabetic retinopathy complications occurred more often in people taking Ozempic (3.0%) than those on placebo (1.8%), with the largest increase seen in people who already had diabetic retinopathy at baseline. However, additional research is needed to confirm potential association. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in your vision, including:

• Blurred vision

• Distorted vision

• Floaters

• Partial or total blindness

See if you qualify

• While more research is needed, the evidence so far suggests females could be more likely than males to experience certain Ozempic side effects, particularly during the first few months of treatment.

• Most of these side effects can be manageable with a few adjustments — eating habits, meal pacing, hydration, and movement all make a difference — and they tend to ease once the body adjusts to a maintenance dose.

• If side effects are severe, persistent, or feel concerning in any way, talk to your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical attention. 

If you have further questions about side effects on Ozempic, reach out to your healthcare provider.