How Do You Manage the Side Effects of Weight-Loss Medications?

Weight-loss medications, like Zepbound or Wegovy, are effective tools for managing obesity, but they can have side effects. These tips can help you avoid issues.

Updated January 22, 2025

By Erin Wickersham, RDN, Registered Dietitian and Patient Education Coordinator, Virtua Nutrition and Diabetes Care

GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications, like Zepbound, Wegovy and Saxenda, are effective tools for helping people lose weight and manage obesity. These medications mimic your natural gut hormones that regulate blood sugar, slow stomach emptying, and suppress appetite.

While these medications effectively support weight loss, they can have potential side effects.

Tips for managing common weight-loss medication side effects

What should I do if my weight-loss medication causes nausea?

One of the most common side effects is nausea, which can occur initially or when increasing the dose, but it typically eases over time.

Eat slowly: Eating slowly gives you time to recognize when you feel full.
Space out meals: Eat every four to five hours to let your meals digest.
Avoid triggers: Avoid nausea-triggering foods, such as high-fat, fried or sugary foods.

My weight-loss drug is causing constipation.

Constipation, another common side effect, can lead to discomfort and other digestive issues.

Increase your fiber intake: Add fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and other legumes.
Stay hydrated: Drink 64 ounces of water daily to maintain bowel regularity.
Move your body: Engage in physical activity to stimulate your bowels.
Talk to your doctor about a stool softener: If constipation persists, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter stool softener or fiber supplement.

My weight-loss medicine gives me indigestion.

Weight-loss medications slow stomach emptying, potentially causing heartburn, reflux, bloating, and gas.

Limit fatty foods: Fatty foods digest slowly and can worsen your symptoms.
Avoid irritants: Limit your intake of greasy or spicy foods and carbonated beverages, which may trigger indigestion.
Eat mindfully: Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly.
Time your meals: Avoid eating three hours before bed. Staying upright gives your food more time to digest.

I have little to no appetite since staring on a GLP-1.

A reduced appetite is a common side effect, but undereating is a concern. If you feel full after a few bites, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosage. You can also try these tips to ensure you're getting enough nutrients:

Focus on eating nutrient-dense foods: Choose nutritious, low-calorie foods such as lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Eat proteins first to maintain your muscle mass while losing weight.
Listen to your body: If you don’t feel regular hunger cues, like your stomach growling, eating every three to five hours is still beneficial.
Consider protein shakes: While most of your diet should come from whole foods, your dietitian may talk to you about using a protein supplement until your appetite improves.

When to talk to your doctor

It's crucial to communicate any side effects to your health care provider, who can offer tailored advice to manage them while supporting your weight-loss goals.

Learn about weight-loss options at Virtua

We can help you meet your goals with a personalized approach and the behavioral and nutritional support you need for lasting weight loss. Learn about Virtua’s Complete Weight Management program.