Semaglutide Constipation: Causes & Treatments

Just like any drug, semaglutide (sold under the brand names Ozempic^®, Wegovy^®, and Rybelsus^®) comes with a few potential side effects. One of the common ones is constipation. 

In Wegovy^® clinical trials, 24 percent of people reported constipation. So, if you’re struggling to go, you’re far from alone. 

Constipation isn’t just uncomfortable, though. It can make it hard to stick to taking your medication. Luckily, there are treatments — both natural remedies and medications — that can help.

To relieve semaglutide constipation, you can: 

• Drink more water

• Eat more fiber

• Do more physical activity 

• Go to the bathroom at the same time each day  

• Take over-the-counter or prescription constipation meds 

Keep reading to learn what causes semaglutide constipation, how long it lasts, and more details on how to treat it to get your digestive system running smoothly again.

A few things can cause constipation while you’re on semaglutide, including slowed gastric emptying, drinking less water, and eating less fiber.

Here are the details:

• Slowed gastric emptying. Semaglutide slows the speed at which food moves from the stomach to the intestines. This can cause stool to back up in the digestive tract, causing bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation.

• Drinking less water. Semaglutide can make you feel fuller for longer (one way it helps aid weight loss). But if you’re feeling full, you might drink less water, which can contribute to constipation.

• Eating less fiber. On semaglutide, you’ll have a lower appetite and feel fuller sooner, which leads to eating less. You might end up eating less fiber, which is key for staying regular.

How long semaglutide constipation lasts varies from person to person. Research on Wegovy^® (which contains the active ingredient semaglutide) shows constipation can last a median duration of 47 days.

Constipation is more common in the first 16 weeks of treatment, especially in the first month. So hang in there if you’ve just started semaglutide — it should improve with time!

Plus, you might find that constipation (and other semaglutide side effects) don’t bother you too much, like one Hers customer:

“My experience has been really smooth. I’ve been happy with my progress. I’ve had some GI issues but nothing that has majorly affected my day-to-day life.” — Erin G.

You can treat constipation from semaglutide with a mix of lifestyle changes and over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications. Here’s what to try.

Drink More Water

Water and other liquids can help soften stool, making it easier to pass.

Aim to drink enough that your pee is clear or light yellow.

Get a reusable water bottle and take it with you everywhere. If you don’t like the taste of water, try adding mint, berries, or cucumber for flavor.

If fullness is stopping you from drinking enough water, take small sips throughout the day and set reminders if you forget.

Struggle with your fluid intake? Our guide on how to drink more water has more tips.

Eat More Fiber 

“Most Americans do not get enough fiber in their diet,” says Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, MFOMA, an obesity medicine physician and Senior Vice President of Weight Loss at Hims & Hers. “Most people will benefit from an OTC fiber supplement used daily.”

Fiber can improve stool consistency and frequency, helping ease constipation.

You can get fiber from:

• Legumes, like lentils, chickpeas, and beans

• Nuts and seeds

• Fresh fruits and veggies

• Whole grains, like brown rice, whole-grain bread, and quinoa

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, here’s how much fiber women should aim for:

• Ages 19 to 30. Try to eat 28 grams of fiber per day.

• Ages 31 to 50. Aim for 25 grams of fiber per day.

• Ages 51 and over. Try to get 22 grams of fiber per day.

You don’t necessarily need to keep track of your fiber intake, though. As your appetite is lower, make a conscious effort to include high-fiber foods in your meals and snacks.

On the plus side, fiber can help with weight loss because it keeps you fuller for longer. It can improve overall digestive health, too.

Do More Physical Activity 

Get things moving with more movement.

In general, you’ll want to aim for:

• At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise a week

• At least two strength sessions each week

Aerobic activities include anything that gets your heart rate up, like:

• Brisk walking or hiking

• Running or jogging

• Cycling

• Swimming

• Dancing

For strength sessions, you can use:

• Bodyweight exercises

• Dumbbells

• Resistance bands

• Resistance machines in the gym

If you’re new to working out, start slowly and gradually increase how much movement you do each week.

If stomach pain and constipation-related feelings make working out hard, try gentle movement. Even something small — like a morning and evening walk — can add up and go toward easing constipation and promoting weight loss.

And remember to hydrate more as you work out more.

Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

Focus on getting a range of nutrients, including:

• Fruits and veggies

• Whole grains, like brown rice, whole-wheat bread, and oatmeal

• Lean proteins, like chicken, tofu, eggs, and fish

• Healthy fats, such as avocados, olive oil, and nuts

Avoid or minimize foods with little fiber that may make constipation worse. That includes fatty, processed foods like:

• White bread

• Burgers

• Fries

• Pastries

• Sausages

If you’re curious what to eat on semaglutide (whether you’re constipated or not), we’ve got a full GLP-1 diet plan to check out.

Go to the Bathroom at the Same Time Each Day

You might be able to train your bowels to go more often. Set a time you’ll try to pass stool — like 30 minutes after breakfast — and head to the bathroom at that time each day.

Try to relax and give yourself plenty of time to poop. You may find that raising your feet on a footstool or toilet stool helps you go.

If you feel the urge to go at a different time, by all means, go. Don’t hold it in or wait.

Try Over-the-Counter or Prescription Constipation Treatments

If lifestyle changes haven’t worked, you can try over-the-counter constipation treatments to encourage bowel movements.

OTC constipation treatments include:

• Fiber supplements

• Stool softeners

• Laxatives (such as MiraLAX^®)

Some of these treatments (like laxatives) are designed for short-term use. So follow the instructions that come with the medication, and get medical advice if you’re unsure.

If things aren’t improving, there are also prescription constipation medications, like:

• Lubiprostone

• Prucalopride

• Linaclotide

• Plecanatide

Reach out to a healthcare provider for advice on constipation meds. They can let you know if they’re suitable for you.

Reach Out to Your Prescribing Healthcare Provider

Your provider can recommend other lifestyle changes and treatments that may help improve constipation.

If that doesn’t help, they may recommend staying on your current dose of semaglutide (instead of going up to a higher dose) to give your body more time to adjust to the medication.

Your provider might also lower your dose of semaglutide to ease side effects or recommend a different weight loss medication that could suit your body better.

That could include:

• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro^® and Zepbound^®)

• Liraglutide (Victoza^®, Saxenda^®, and generic liraglutide)

• Metformin

You can learn more about other weight loss medications in our full guide.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about semaglutide constipation below.

Does Constipation on Ozempic^® Go Away?

Constipation on Ozempic^® should go away. Most people experience constipation during the first 16 weeks of taking a GLP-1 drug — that’s a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, like Ozempic^®. Constipation should go away with time, though.

FYI, Ozempic^® is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. But it’s sometimes prescribed off-label for obesity and weight loss.

When Should I See a Doctor About Semaglutide Constipation?

You should see a medical professional if your semaglutide constipation doesn’t improve after trying lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments — or if constipation becomes severe.

A healthcare provider can recommend the best treatments to relieve constipation or adjust your semaglutide dose if needed.

How Can I Relieve Constipation on Wegovy^®? 

You can relieve constipation on Wegovy^® by:

• Drinking plenty of water

• Eating enough fiber

• Doing more exercise

• Going to the bathroom at regular times

• Taking fiber supplements, stool softeners, or laxatives

• Taking prescription constipation medication

Reach out to a healthcare professional if Wegovy^® constipation is severe or doesn’t improve.

Constipation is a common side effect of Ozempic^® and Wegovy^® (and other GLP-1 medications like Zepbound^® and liraglutide). But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with it.

Here are the key takeaways to remember:

• Lifestyle changes can help relieve semaglutide constipation. Try eating more fiber, drinking more water, doing more physical activity, and eating a balanced diet overall. The good news is that these habits can help with weight loss and weight management, as well as constipation relief.

• Consider constipation medications. Over-the-counter treatments include fiber supplements, probiotics, stool softeners, and laxatives. Prescription constipation meds may also help, if needed.

• Reach out to your prescribing healthcare provider if things don’t improve. They can recommend other weight loss treatments, lower your semaglutide dose, or keep you on the same dose for longer to help your body adjust (and go).

If you’re already taking semaglutide through Hers, don’t forget you’ve got unlimited access to your care team through the Hers app. If constipation is still bothering you after trying a few treatments, reach out for personalized guidance.

If you’re looking into semaglutide and your weight loss treatment options, take our free online weight loss assessment. A licensed healthcare provider will go over your answers and let you know if you’re eligible for medication.