Wegovy stomach issues: What causes them and how to manage them

When you start taking Wegovy, a once-weekly injectable medication for weight loss that contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by slowing stomach emptying and signaling your brain to feel full. But for many, that same mechanism causes stomach issues—nausea, vomiting, bloating, and constipation. These aren’t rare side effects. In clinical trials, over half of users reported digestive discomfort, especially in the first few weeks. This isn’t just "feeling off." It’s a direct result of how Wegovy changes your body’s natural hunger and digestion signals.

Why does this happen? semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, mimics a hormone your body makes naturally to control appetite and digestion. It tells your stomach to slow down, which helps you eat less. But if your stomach moves too slowly, food sits there longer. That leads to bloating, early fullness, and nausea. Some people get worse symptoms if they eat fatty or fried foods, or if they increase their dose too quickly. GLP-1 agonists, a class of drugs that includes Wegovy, Ozempic, and Saxenda, all share this digestive side effect profile. It’s not a flaw—it’s how the drug works. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it.

Most stomach issues improve within 4 to 8 weeks as your body adjusts. But there are practical steps you can take now. Eat smaller meals. Avoid greasy or sugary foods. Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after eating. Drink water slowly, not all at once. If nausea hits, try ginger tea or peppermint—both have real evidence for easing digestive upset. Don’t skip doses to avoid side effects; that can make symptoms worse when you restart. Talk to your doctor about slowing the dose increase. Many people who stick with it find the stomach issues fade, and the weight loss is worth it. Others switch to a different approach. Either way, you’re not alone. These problems are common, predictable, and often manageable.

Below, you’ll find real-world advice from people who’ve dealt with Wegovy stomach issues, plus deeper dives into how these drugs affect digestion, what to do when symptoms don’t improve, and how to tell if it’s something more serious than a side effect.