How Can I Manage The Side Effects of Wegovy?

While Wegovy can be helpful for weight loss, some people may experience side effects, especially when starting the medication. Knowing how to manage these side effects can make your journey with Wegovy smoother and more comfortable. This information is for general purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider.

Key Takeaways

Common Side Effects and How to Handle Them

When starting Wegovy, you might experience mild side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, or reduced appetite. These often improve over time. Eating smaller, nutrient-dense meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding rich or greasy foods can help ease symptoms.

Follow the Prescribed Dosage to Minimise Side Effects

Stick to the recommended dose from your healthcare provider. Gradually increasing the dose, as guided by your doctor, can help your body adjust and reduce the likelihood of side effects.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While most side effects are manageable, contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe or persistent nausea, intense stomach pain, or signs of dehydration like dark urine or dizziness.

Common side effects of Wegovy

Many users experience mild side effects, which often improve as the body adjusts to the medication. Some common side effects include:

• Nausea

• Diarrhoea or constipation

• Stomach pain

• Reduced appetite

These side effects are usually temporary and may lessen over time.

Stick to the recommended dose

It’s important to follow the dose that your healthcare provider recommends for Wegovy. Starting with the prescribed dose and not exceeding it can help your body adjust gradually and reduce the risk of side effects. Your healthcare provider may increase the dose slowly over time to ensure you’re comfortable and minimise any adverse reactions.

Tips for managing nausea

Nausea is one of the most common side effects when starting Wegovy [1]. Here are some ways to manage it:

• Eat smaller meals: 

Try eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones.

• Avoid rich or greasy foods: 

Foods high in fat can make nausea worse.

• Stay hydrated: 

Drink water regularly, but sip slowly to avoid an upset stomach.

• Ginger tea: 

Ginger has natural anti-nausea properties. Drinking ginger tea or eating ginger snacks may help.

Managing digestive issues

Some people may experience diarrhoea or constipation while taking Wegovy. To help manage these, consider the following:

• Increase fibre intake: 

Fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains can support healthy digestion.

• Stay hydrated: 

Drinking plenty of water can help prevent constipation and ease digestion.

• Avoid trigger foods: 

If you notice certain foods make symptoms worse, try to limit them.

Dealing with reduced appetite

Wegovy is designed to reduce appetite, but it’s important to ensure you’re still getting enough nutrients. Here are some tips:

• Focus on nutrient-dense foods: 

Choose foods that provide a lot of vitamins and minerals, like lean meats, vegetables and whole grains.

• Eat small, balanced meals: 

Even if you don’t feel very hungry, try to eat small meals to keep your energy up.

When to contact a healthcare provider

While most side effects are mild, some symptoms may require medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Severe or persistent nausea and vomiting

• Intense stomach pain that doesn’t go away

• Signs of dehydration, such as dark urine or dizziness

These could indicate more serious issues, so it’s important to seek advice if you’re concerned.

Helpful habits to reduce side effects

There are also some general habits that can help manage or prevent side effects:

• Eat slowly: 

Eating slowly can help with digestion and reduce nausea.

• Track what you are eating:

Tracking the food you eat can keep you accountable and help you avoid foods that could cause issues. 

• Get regular physical activity: 

Gentle exercise can support digestion and help with energy levels.

• Rest well: 

Getting enough sleep can improve how your body manages the medication and reduce side effects.

• Share your experiences with others: 

Speaking with support groups, friends and family is a good way to help them learn and for you to feel supported in your weight loss journey.

Managing the side effects of Wegovy can make your experience with the medication easier and more comfortable. With simple adjustments to your diet and lifestyle, many side effects can be reduced or managed. Remember, this information is for general guidance and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about side effects.

Top Tips for Using Wegovy Safely and Effectively

Get the best results from Wegovy with our usage guide, packed full of helpful tips and actionable advice. Learn how to eat well, stay active, manage side effects and track your progress as you use Wegovy for weight loss. We also cover the dosing schedule and share support resources for Wegovy users in the UK.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC Reference no: 7151419
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References

[1] Tips for managing common side effects | Wegovy.com