1. Nausea relief tactics

Nausea is often the biggest hurdle, particularly when you first begin using Wegovy or move to a higher dose.

• Opt for Bland, Low-Fat Foods: Crackers, toast, bananas, and ginger-based items (tea, ginger ale, or fresh ginger) can help settle your stomach.
• Avoid Trigger Foods: Keep clear of strong-smelling or high-fat fare. Spicy dishes are also best avoided until nausea subsides.
• Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of large servings three times a day, eat smaller portions five to six times daily to stabilize digestion.
• Stay Hydrated: Sip water between meals rather than during them, reducing the feeling of fullness that can worsen nausea.
• Medical Assistance: If at-home measures aren’t cutting it, consult your doctor about anti-emetic medications.

   

2. Handling vomiting

While less common than nausea, vomiting can still occur.

• Focus on Fluids: Hydration is crucial; choose water or electrolyte solutions. Oral rehydration can protect you from dehydration if vomiting persists.
• Meal Size and Timing: Smaller meals spaced strategically throughout the day reduce strain on the stomach.
• Seek Medical Advice: If vomiting becomes persistent or severe, contact your healthcare provider.

   

3. Managing diarrhoea

Experiencing diarrhoea can be inconvenient and uncomfortable, but you can mitigate it:

• Skip Known Irritants: Dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners can worsen symptoms. Temporary avoidance helps your stomach settle.
• Electrolyte Balance: Drinking water with added electrolytes keeps your body hydrated and balanced without resorting to sugary sports drinks.
• Gentle Foods: Plain rice, boiled or roasted carrots, and lean proteins like chicken can help solidify stool.

   

4. Relieving constipation

The opposite of diarrhoea—constipation—is equally common.

• Increase Fiber Intake: Incorporate fresh fruits (berries, apples with the skin), vegetables, and whole grains slowly into your diet.
• Water, Water, Water: Adequate hydration is your ally for softening stool.
• Stay Active: Moderate physical activity, such as walking or light aerobics, can jumpstart your digestive system.
• Mild Laxatives: Over-the-counter options like polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX) can be used under your doctor’s guidance if constipation lingers.

   

5. Dealing with headaches and fatigue

• Hydrate and Rest: Dehydration can trigger headaches, so ensure you drink enough fluids. Equally vital is getting enough quality sleep.
• Check Blood Sugar Levels: If you have diabetes, carefully monitor your glucose, as semaglutide can lower blood sugar levels and cause fatigue or dizziness.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Gradual changes to your daily routine—lighter exercise, balanced meals—can help reduce headache frequency and severity.

   

6. Communicate with your healthcare team

Ongoing communication is paramount when dealing with any medication. Regular check-ups or telehealth appointments give your doctor the chance to:

• Adjust Dosages: If side effects become too disruptive, you might need a slower dose escalation or a pause before increasing further.
• Prescribe Symptom Relief: From anti-nausea medications to laxatives, personalized interventions can alleviate discomfort.
• Assess Overall Progress: If issues persist, they can consider alternative weight loss solutions or evaluate underlying health conditions.

Curious about how other patients cope with side effects or want expert insights? Our News & Insights section is constantly updated with the latest information on Wegovy, Mounjaro, and other weight management trends.