📑 Contents
Overview: Side Effects of Semaglutide
Most individuals using Semaglutide experience some form of side effect, especially at the beginning. The good news is that most side effects are:
✓ Good News
- Mild to moderate in intensity
- Temporary — decrease over time
- Manageable — with the right strategies
Common Side Effects (>10% of users)
| Side Effect | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | ~40% | Subsides after 2-4 weeks |
| Diarrhea | ~30% | Temporary |
| Constipation | ~25% | Can be persistent |
| Vomiting | ~10-15% | Subsides with adjustment |
🤢 Nausea
The most common side effect, especially in the first weeks.
💡 How to Manage Nausea
- Eat small, frequent meals
- Avoid fatty and spicy foods
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
- Take the injection in the evening
- Ginger tea or ginger candies can help
- Avoid lying down immediately after eating
Diarrhea
💡 How to Manage Diarrhea
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Avoid high-fat foods
- Temporarily reduce fiber intake
- Electrolyte drinks can help
Constipation
💡 How to Manage Constipation
- Gradually increase fiber intake
- Drink more water (at least 2 liters/day)
- Physical activity aids bowel movement
- Consider fiber supplements
Vomiting
- Same strategies as for nausea
- Avoid large meals entirely
- Temporarily reduce the dose if difficult
Less Common Side Effects (1-10%)
Headache
- Usually mild and resolves with adjustment
- Ensure adequate hydration
- Paracetamol if needed
Fatigue
- May be due to calorie deficit
- Ensure a sufficiently nutritious diet
- Adequate sleep is especially important
Dizziness
- May be related to low blood sugar
- Eat regularly
- Rise slowly
Stomach Pain/Abdominal Pain
- More common with rapid dose increase
- Follow the titration schedule
- Contact healthcare if the pain is severe
Uncommon but Serious Side Effects
🚨 Contact Healthcare Immediately If:
- Pancreatitis: Severe abdominal pain radiating to the back
- Gallstones: Intense pain in the upper right abdomen
- Allergic Reaction: Swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing
Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the Pancreas)
Symptoms:
- Severe, persistent abdominal pain radiating to the back
- Pain worsens after meals
- Nausea and vomiting
Gallstones
Symptoms:
- Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen
- May radiate to the right shoulder blade
- Nausea and fever
Severe Allergic Reaction
Symptoms:
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe skin rash
📞 Call 112
For signs of a severe allergic reaction or acute pancreatitis.
Side Effects That Are Actually Desired
Some "side effects" are actually what we aim to achieve:
✓ Positive Effects
- Reduced Appetite — Core mechanism for weight loss
- Earlier Satiety — You naturally eat less
- Reduced Cravings for Sweets — Aids in healthy choices
Side Effects Over Time
This is how side effects typically develop:
Week 1-4
Most Side Effects
Nausea most common
Week 5-8
Begin to Subside
Body adjusts
Week 9-12
Fewer Problems
Good tolerance
3+ months
Minimal
Most experience few side effects
Who Is at Greater Risk for Side Effects?
⚠️ Higher Risk If You:
- Increase the dose too quickly
- Have a history of gastrointestinal issues
- Eat large, high-fat meals
- Do not follow dietary recommendations
Strategies to Minimize Side Effects
- Follow the Titration Schedule — The most important factor. Do not rush the process.
- Adjust Your Diet — Small portions, lean foods, avoid alcohol
- Right Timing — Same time each week, evening may help
- Lifestyle Factors — Exercise, sleep, stress management
📖 Learn more about correct dosing →
Summary
✓ Remember
- Common but usually mild
- Subside over time — most troublesome in the first weeks
- Manageable — with the right strategies
- Dosage-dependent — follow the titration
Most who persevere through the initial weeks find that side effects significantly diminish and the benefits outweigh them.
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