Wegovy constipation: why it happens & 7 ways to get relief

Wegovy is a daily pill or weekly pen designed to support weight loss and management. And while it can do wonders for your weight, it can also cause some unpleasant side effects, such as Wegovy constipation. 

The good news? You don’t just have to grin and bear it (or stop taking the medication). Here, we’ll cover the how and why of Wegovy constipation, plus what you can do to get some relief.

Yes, Wegovy can cause constipation. In fact, it’s one of the more common side effects of the medication, affecting nearly 1 in 4 users. 

 In clinical trials, 24% of participants taking 2.4 mg of Wegovy weekly reported constipation. (FYI, 2.4 mg is the maximum dose of the Wegovy injection.) 

That said, nausea tends to be the most common side effect of the drug, affecting 44% of participants in clinical trials. This was followed by diarrhea (30%) and vomiting (24%).

Constipation is characterized by infrequent, incomplete, or difficult bowel movements (typically fewer than three per week). It’s a known side effect of GLP-1 medications, like Wegovy (including oral Wegovy), Ozempic, and Zepbound.

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Researchers aren’t entirely certain exactly why Wegovy can cause constipation. But several known effects of the medication may contribute, including slowed digestion, nausea, and dehydration. 

Here’s a closer look at potential reasons:

1. Wegovy slows digestion. As a GLP-1, Wegovy slows gastric emptying (i.e. the speed at which food leaves the stomach) and reduces gastrointestinal motility (i.e. the contractions that move food through the digestive tract). This slowdown can help you feel full longer, eat less, and lose weight. But it can also create a backup, like a traffic jam at an exit, which may contribute to constipation. 

2. Wegovy can cause nausea. Feeling nauseated or sick on Wegovy can be a common occurrence, especially when you first start treatment and at every dose increase. To quell these symptoms, you may reach for bland foods like rice, white bread, and crackers. But these refined foods tend to be low in fiber, which can cause constipation. Less fiber means less bulk, making stool harder to pass. 

3. Wegovy can contribute to dehydration. Because you feel fuller — and potentially nauseated — you may be less inclined to drink water while taking Wegovy. But staying hydrated helps keep stool soft so it can easily move through your system (and, ya know, out into the toilet). 

Constipation from semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) is usually temporary, lasting about six weeks (or somewhere around 47 days).

Keep in mind that this is an average. Plus, the exact length of Wegovy constipation will vary from person to person. Some people may experience a longer period of constipation and others may not experience constipation at all.

Other important factors to keep in mind:

• Wegovy constipation usually gets better and even goes away on its own as your body gets used to the medication. 

• You're more likely to feel backed up at the beginning of treatment and again when you increase your dose. 

• The side effect tends to be dose-dependent. Meaning, it’s more likely to happen (and be worse) at higher doses. 

Constipation can make you feel bloated and blah, and if left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and in severe cases, rectal prolapse. Fortunately, though, constipation on Wegovy (and in general) can often be managed at home with simple, healthy habits. 

Drink plenty of water

Drinking enough water and other hydrating liquids helps keep your stool soft, making it easier to pass. 

The National Academy of Medicine recommends that men consume approximately 13 eight-ounce cups of water per day and women drink nine. However, the exact amount of H2O you need depends on additional factors, such as climate,activity level, and other health conditions you may have.

Here are a few ways to stay hydrated:

• Flavor your water. Add lemon, lime, mint, cucumber, berries, or other fruit to your water to infuse it with flavor and make it more exciting. If you really don’t like drinking plain H2O, you could try adding in other hydrating beverages like herbal tea or coconut water to your routine (but be careful of added sugar!).

• Eat hydrating foods. You don’t have to chug water all day long to meet your hydration goals. Foods with a high water content can help you stay hydrated, as well. Non-fat milk, cantaloupe, strawberries, watermelon, lettuce, cabbage, celery, spinach, and squash are all 90% or more water.

Eat more fiber

Most adults should aim for about 28 grams of fiber per day on a 2,000-calorie diet, as recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and US Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

However, your exact fiber needs may vary based on factors such as age and sex. 

The USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans breaks that down further:

• Women under 50: about 25–28 grams per day

• Men under 50: about 31–34 grams per day

• Women 51 and older: about 22 grams per day

For context, a medium apple with skin on has about 4.5 grams of fiber. Other high-fiber foods include:

• Bran and whole-grain cereals

• Beans and legumes

• Whole-wheat bread 

• Brussels sprouts

• Broccoli 

• Berries

• Sweet potatoes

• Popcorn

• Nuts and seeds

The key with fiber is finding the sweet spot — not too little or too much. Excessive fiber intake, especially without adequate water, can potentially worsen constipation. That’s because water helps fiber pass through the digestive system.

Move your body

Exercise has been shown to improve the symptoms of constipation.  Although the exact reason isn’t fully understood, the thinking is that regular physical activity stimulates the muscles in the colon, helping move stool along (and out). 

In fact, people who engage in moderate-intensity exercise for about 150 minutes or more per week experience less constipation than those who are sedentary.

You don’t have to do a vigorous workout either. Brisk walking or hiking, biking, dancing, or even household chores, such as pushing a lawnmower, are all examples of moderate aerobic exercise, which seems to be the most effective for pushing poo along.  

Get enough sleep

Sleep problems — especially insomnia — are linked to a greater chance of constipation. Because the body’s circadian rhythm helps regulate gastrointestinal function, poor sleep can disrupt your gut’s natural rhythm and make bowel movements less regular.

Practicing good sleep hygiene can help you sleep soundly. This can include:

• Limiting caffeine intake later in the day

• Keeping your room dark and cool 

• Avoiding screens before bed 

• Practicing deep breathing or meditation 

Sip warm liquids 

If your digestion is feeling sluggish, sipping warm liquids could help get things moving. 

Research shows that drinking warm water can help stimulate intestinal activity and may support the return of normal bowel function in certain situations, such as after surgery. Plus this Wegovy constipation tactic can also help you stay hydrated, further addressing any backed-up business. 

Some caffeinated beverages have also been shown to help reduce constipation.

Consider over-the-counter treatments

If lifestyle changes aren’t providing enough Wegovy constipation relief, you may want to talk to your healthcare provider about over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and individual health, your provider may recommend trying stool softeners, gentle laxatives, or fiber supplements.

• Stool softeners add moisture to the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. 

• Stimulant laxatives trigger bowel movements by stimulating intestinal muscle contractions. They should be used sparingly and only as directed by your healthcare provider. 

• Fiber supplements add bulk to the stool and can make it easier to pass. It’s especially important to stay hydrated when using them.

Establish a consistent bathroom schedule

Timed bowel training can help nudge your digestion into a more regular rhythm. It’s pretty simple: 

Try to sit on the toilet at the same time each day, even if you don’t feel a strong urge to poop. Ideally, you should do this at times when the bowel is naturally active, thanks to the gastrocolic reflex, like soon after eating or first thing in the morning. 

Avoid sitting on the toilet for too long. Prolonged sitting and straining can increase pressure in the rectal veins, raising the risk of hemorrhoids and other complications. If nothing happens after about five minutes, it’s best to get up and try again later.

Developing the habit of sitting on the toilet at the same time each day can help you get into a predictable schedule and can reduce constipation.

Contact a healthcare provider right away if your constipation is accompanied by:

• Symptoms lasting longer than three weeks

• Severe stomach pain

• Rectal pain when having bowel movements

• Swelling in your abdomen

• Rectal bleeding or blood in stool

• Loss of appetite

• Inability to pass gas

• Vomiting

These symptoms could indicate a more serious issue. 

When it comes to Wegovy and constipation, pay attention to how often you’re having bowel movements, and let a healthcare provider know if your situation is not improving. They may recommend a dose adjustment or suggest other options to help relieve your discomfort.

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The short answer:Wegovy and constipation often go hand-in-hand, at least at the beginning of treatment or during dose increases. But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to be backed-up if you’re taking the injection or pill. Here’s what to remember:  

• Constipation is a common side effect of Wegovy. In clinical trials, about 24% of participants reported experiencing constipation while injecting 2.4 mg of Wegovy weekly. 

• Wegovy constipation is likely caused by the medication’s effects on digestion. By slowing down gastric emptying and gut motility, Wegovy keeps food in the stomach longer, which can help you eat less overall but also cause you to get backed up. 

• Nausea may also be to blame for Wegovy constipation. Feeling sick on the medication can lead you to eat bland foods lacking fiber that usually helps move stool along. 

• Wegovy constipation usually doesn’t last forever. For many people, symptoms improve within several weeks — about 47 days, according to research, though individual experiences may vary.

• Simple lifestyle changes can offer relief from Wegovy constipation. These include staying hydrated, eating more fiber, and regularly exercising, among other tactics.