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Does tirzepatide cause constipation?

4 min read

Written by: 

Julia Sullivan

Reviewed by: 

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Updated:  Dec 11, 2025

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Reviewed By

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austil Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care pharmacist and freelance medical writer and reviewer. His experience includes direct patient care in hospitals and community pharmacies.

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Key takeaways

  • Constipation is a possible — and common side effect — of tirzepatide drugs, such as Zepbound and Mounjaro. 

  • In clinical trials, 11%–17% of people taking Zepbound and 6%–7% of people taking Mounjaro reported constipation.

  • Tirzepatide constipation is often temporary and tends to improve over time as your body gets used to the medication or an increased dose. 

  • Simple strategies to prevent or treat tirzepatide constipation include increasing your fiber intake, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly.

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Here's what we'll cover

Key takeaways

  • Constipation is a possible — and common side effect — of tirzepatide drugs, such as Zepbound and Mounjaro. 

  • In clinical trials, 11%–17% of people taking Zepbound and 6%–7% of people taking Mounjaro reported constipation.

  • Tirzepatide constipation is often temporary and tends to improve over time as your body gets used to the medication or an increased dose. 

  • Simple strategies to prevent or treat tirzepatide constipation include increasing your fiber intake, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly.

Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro, can be transformative for many people. After all, it’s highly effective for weight loss and treating type 2 diabetes. Still, tirzepatide comes with side effects — and constipation is one of the most common.

The good news? Tirzepatide constipation is often temporary, and there are many simple strategies to prevent or relieve that backed-up feeling. 

But why does tirzepatide cause constipation? And how common is it? Read on to find out the answers to those questions, learn about tirzepatide constipation treatment, and more. 

Does tirzepatide cause constipation? 

Yes, tirzepatide can cause constipation. In fact, constipation is considered a common side effect of both Zepbound and Mounjaro — the two brand-name tirzepatide drugs. 

  • In clinical trials of Zepbound, 11%--17% of people experienced constipation compared to only 5% taking a placebo. 

  • In clinical trials of Mounjaro, 6%--7% of people experienced constipation compared to only 1% taking a placebo. 

Tirzepatide side effects are generally dose-dependent. Meaning, they’re typically more common at higher doses of the drug. 

This is true of Mounjaro for constipation, based on clinical trials:

Mounjaro 5 mg 

Mounjaro 10 mg 

Mounjaro 15 mg 

Constipation

6%

6%

7%

Interestingly, however, this doesn’t seem to be the case for constipation with Zepbound in clinical trials: 

Zepbound 5 mg 

Zepbound 10 mg 

Zepbound 15 mg 

Constipation

17%

14%

11%

No matter the likelihood of experiencing tirzepatide constipation, the side effect tends to get better with time — and that’s true for both Zepbound and Mounjaro 

Why does tirzepatide cause constipation?

Tirzepatide commonly causes constipation because of the way it affects the digestive system. 

As a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, tirzepatide slows gastric emptying (i.e. the rate at which food moves through your gut). This effect can help you feel fuller longer and regulate blood sugar — benefits for weight loss (Zepbound) and type 2 diabetes (Mounjaro). 

But it can also contribute to constipation. Think of it this way: When food moves slowly through your gut, everything else (think: waste) does too.

A sluggish digestion system (thanks to tirzepatide) can also reduce your appetite, leading you to eat and drink less. Not getting enough fluids can make your poo harder to pass, resulting in constipation. 

And when you eat less, you may not get your proper fill of fiber, which helps keep your bowels moving. Plus, when your calorie intake decreases (which is common with tirzepatide), your energy levels can too — and that often means moving your body less. Being inactive can sometimes slow down bowel movements.

Finally, there’s nausea, the most common side effect of tirzepatide and an indirect driver of constipation. When you feel sick, you may reach for bland, stomach-settling foods, such as plain rice and toast. These eats can back things up since they lack the fiber needed for regular number twos. 

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How long does tirzepatide constipation last?

How long tirzepatide constipation lasts can vary from person to person. But research shows that most gastrointestinal (GI) side effects typically improve over the first few months of treatment. Meaning, your bowel movements should return to normal as your body adjusts to the starting the medication or dose increases. 

How do you get rid of tirzepatide constipation? 5 tips 

Tirzepatide constipation might be a pain at first. But there are plenty of ways to manage GI discomfort and get things moving again. 

Here are five tirzepatide constipation treatments you can try at home.

Eat smarter and know your limits 

According to a series of 2022 clinical recommendations for folks taking GLP-1s (and looking to offset adverse GI effects), eating methodically might be one of the best ways to steer clear of tirzepatide constipation. This means: 

  • Stop eating if you feel full

  • Consume smaller portions

  • Try to eat only if you’re really hungry

Focus on fiber 

Whether you’re looking to prevent or treat tirzepatide constipation, we’ve got one word for you: fiber. 

Adding more fiber-rich foods — like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes — can help keep bowel movements regular and support overall digestive health. 

Just be careful, though, as taking in too much fiber too quickly can sometimes make your constipation worse. It can also cause nausea or bloating for some people. So, start slowly and choose gentler options (e.g. cooked veggies, oatmeal) if you have a sensitive stomach.

Over time, try to aim for roughly  5 grams of fiber per meal, and 15 or more total grams per day.

Stay hydrated

Think of your water intake like your body’s internal lubrication system: The less of it you’re consuming daily, the more likely your internal organs (including your GI tract) won’t run as efficiently. 

Everyone’s fluid intake needs vary, but experts generally recommend drinking 9–13 cups of water daily and to aim for urine that’s pale-yellow in color. 

Exercise regularly 

Studies show that moderate to high levels of physical activity can help offset constipation. 

That’s because movement can help promote your intestinal motility (aka movement), which encourages regularity. And this is especially true of aerobic exercises (e.g. walking, swimming, cycling) and core-strengthening based movement (e.g. bridges, crunches, planks). 

Consider over-the-counter treatments 

Depending on the severity of your tirzepatide constipation, you might also benefit from an over-the-counter (OTC) laxative or stool softener. 

First, however, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. They can help you determine which, if any, OTC treatment might be best and safest for you. 

There are a multitude of different laxative types. For example, bulk-forming laxatives help retain fluid in stool (so you really have to keep up your water intake). Meanwhile, “stimulant” laxatives help to boost intestinal secretions and motility. 

When to contact a healthcare provider

Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Severe stomach pain

  • Abdominal swelling

  • Rectal bleeding

  • Vomiting

These symptoms could be indicative of larger health issues, from hemorrhoids and anal fissures to gastric ulcers and sometimes cancer. 

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Bottom line

If you’re struggling with obesity or type 2 diabetes, getting on tirzepatide can be transformative for your health. That said, the medication can come with side effects, including constipation. So it’s important to understand what you’re getting into before starting treatment:

  • Tirzepatide can cause constipation in some cases. Tirzepatide can slow digestion, resulting in reduced appetite, less movement of waste, and (potentially) fewer bowel movements. 

  • Not everyone who takes tirzepatide will experience constipation. In clinical trials of Zepbound, 11%--17% of people experienced constipation while in clinical trials of Mounjaro, only 6%--7% of people reported the side effect

  • Certain lifestyle swaps can help offset unwanted side effects. Upping your fiber and fluid intake, getting ample exercise, and eating more methodically can help boost GI motility and, thus, regularity. Certain laxatives can help, but it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before taking one. 

  • Tell your healthcare provider if constipation and other side effects are persistent or severe. Also, reach out if you experience significant pain or rectal bleeding, as these symptoms can be indicative of a larger, more serious health issue. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

DISCLAIMER

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Zepbound Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.

Mounjaro Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.

GLP-1 Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.

Weight Loss
Mounjaro
Zepbound

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