Wegovy Side Effects: Everything You Need To Know

Wegovy is a popular prescription medication used for weight management in individuals with obesity, or those who are overweight with weight-related health conditions. It’s clinically proven to be highly effective for weight loss. [1] Like all medications, Wegovy can cause side effects. These range from nausea and stomach pain, to severe allergic reactions. [2] 

Before starting any medication, it’s important to understand the potential side effects. That way, you will be prepared for common side effects and know when to seek help for anything more serious. In this article, our Levity Experts outline the potential risks of taking Wegovy, empowering you to make an informed decision about whether this treatment is right for you.

Most common Wegovy side effects

Some people may experience side effects when using Wegovy [2], while others may experience no side effects at all. The most common side effects of Wegovy are:

  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Diarrhoea
  • Constipation
  • Stomach cramps or gastrointestinal issues (upset stomach)
  • Headaches

Studies have shown that up to 44% of people may experience nausea, while 30% experience diarrhoea and 24% experience vomiting. [3]

These mild side effects typically occur when you first begin treatment and should lessen as your body adapts to the medication. Common side effects are usually nothing to worry about, but if you have any side effects that:

  • have persisted for more than two weeks
  • are bothering you or causing you pain

Speak to the Levity clinical team. They’ll be able to provide advice to help manage your side effects or suggest a different medication.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are among the most common side effects of Wegovy. [3] They’re thought to be caused by Wegovy slowing down the rate at which food leaves your stomach. 

People often experience nausea when they first start taking the medication. Nausea can also be common when doses are increased.

If you’re sick, it’s important to keep your fluids up. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration — at least 6-8 glasses a day. [4]

You may also experience additional gastrointestinal issues, including stomach cramps, gas, diarrhoea or constipation. These side effects are usually not serious, but if you experience severe abdominal pain, be sure to contact your healthcare provider.

If you're experiencing severe nausea or vomiting while taking Wegovy, contact your doctor for advice.

Diarrhoea

Another very common side effect of Wegovy is diarrhoea. Symptoms of diarrhoea may include: 

  • Cramping or stomach pain
  • Watery, loose stools
  • Frequently needing the toilet
  • Gas and bloating

Diarrhoea was one of the most reported side effects during clinical trials of Wegovy. [3] It may appear with other digestive side effects, like nausea or vomiting.

Be sure to drink plenty of water to keep your hydration levels up. Over-the-counter medications may also help if diarrhoea is severe or painful. 

Although it’s not usually serious, contact the Levity clinical team if you have diarrhoea from Wegovy for more than 3 days. 

Constipation

Another commonly reported side effect is constipation. [3] Symptoms of constipation can include: 

  • Having fewer than 3 bowel movements a week
  • Hard or lumpy stools
  • Feeling unable to empty your bowels
  • Abdominal pain, stomach cramps, gas, or bloating

To avoid constipation on Wegovy, increase your fluid intake, eat plenty of fibre-rich foods (current daily fibre recommendations are 30g/day), and get regular exercise. Keeping your body moving will aid healthy bowel movements. 

If you're experiencing persistent or severe constipation while taking Wegovy, contact the Levity clinical team for advice.

Headaches

Headaches on Wegovy can be caused by lots of different factors. These may include: 

  • Dehydration (common if you’ve experienced nausea or diarrhoea)
  • Low blood sugar levels
  • Hormonal changes (whilst your body adjusts to the medication)

Headaches aren’t usually serious. They can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, and by ensuring you are well hydrated. 

Speak to the Levity clinical team if you’re experiencing persistent headaches or if they become worse from Wegovy.

Other mild side effects 

In addition to the most common side effects, other mild side effects may occur with Wegovy. These can include:

  • Increased heart rate
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Bloating
  • Abdominal pain
  • Passing gas (flatulence)
  • Belching
  • Heartburn
  • Injection site skin reaction
  • Hair loss

Serious Wegovy side effects 

Serious side effects on Wegovy are rare, but can include:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Very low blood sugar
  • Acute pancreatitis and gallbladder issues
  • Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
  • Severe pain (stomach and gastrointestinal)

Allergic reactions

Allergic reactions can occur, and may present as rashes, itching and flushing. Allergic reactions have been reported during Wegovy clinical trials, however, these are rare. [5]

Severe allergic reactions can present as:

  • Swelling of the tongue, mouth, lips, or throat (anaphylaxis)
  • Blurred vision
  • Sudden severe skin rashes or hives
  • Breathing issues
  • Racing heart rate or heart palpitations

Allergic reactions can happen in response to any medication. If you experience any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.

Very low blood sugar levels

Also known as hypoglycemia, low blood sugar is a rare side effect of Wegovy. Studies involving patients with type 2 diabetes have shown low blood sugar to occur in 6.2% of patients taking Wegovy, compared to 2.5% of patients not on Wegovy. [2]

Although rare, low blood sugar can be dangerous, particularly for individuals with diabetes. Those taking other diabetes medications may have an increased risk of hypoglycaemia when using Wegovy. 

How to manage Wegovy side effects

The good news is that most mild and common side effects of Wegovy can be managed without medication. Try these diet and lifestyle tips to help your side effects subside. 

Eat smaller, plain meals

Reducing portion sizes and opting for plain meals during the initial stages of treatment is recommended. Smaller meals are less likely to overwhelm your digestive system, making it easier to tolerate food intake. Plain foods, such as steamed vegetables, plain rice, and lean meats are less likely to upset your stomach. 

This can help reduce nausea and make your stomach feel more ‘settled’ after eating. Try to avoid high-fat, rich or dairy-heavy foods, as well as excessive sugar, to prevent blood sugar level spikes.

Increase your fluid intake

It’s very important to stay hydrated, especially if you’re experiencing any vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation. Make sure you’re drinking at least 6-8 cups of water a day. Try using a water bottle with a measuring mark to keep track of your water intake throughout the day. 

You can also try to incorporate foods with high water content, such as soups or protein shakes, into your diet. Liquid-based foods can be easier to digest, helping any stomach-related issues.

Keep moving and mobile

Regular physical activity can improve overall digestive health. Current physical activity recommendations are 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity per week, which can be easily managed as 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week. [6] Going for a walk of around 30 minutes after eating can also help aid your digestion and pass any gas. 

Avoid mixing Wegovy with alcohol

Mixing Wegovy with alcohol can worsen side effects such as vomiting, nausea, headaches and dizziness. Alcohol can contain high amounts of calories, which can counteract weight loss efforts while on Wegovy.

Who shouldn’t use Wegovy?

Wegovy has been approved to treat obesity by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, since 2023. [7] Wegovy is safe for the vast majority of people to take [8], however, there are some instances where it is not recommended. These include:

  • If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive 
  • If you’re breastfeeding
  • If you have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
  • If you have a family history of kidney or liver problems 
  • If you have a history of diabetic retinopathy (high blood sugar levels damaging the eyes)
  • If you have a history of allergic reactions to other weight loss treatments or drugs (specifically weight loss injections)
  • Children under 12 years of age

If you're unsure about any of the above, seek medical advice before exploring if Wegovy is right for you.

Wegovy alternatives

If you’re experiencing persistent side effects on Wegovy, you may want to consider an alternative. Another option for weight-loss management is Mounjaro, another effective treatment that contains a different active ingredient to Wegovy. 

You should always talk to your healthcare provider before switching medications. They may be able to help you with altering your current dose, or recommend an alternative medication. 

Interested in getting started with Wegovy?

At Levity, we’re here to support you throughout your weight loss journey (and beyond). Visit our website to see if you’re eligible to get started with Wegovy, today.

References:

  1. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2021 Feb 10;384(11):989–1002. Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183 
  2. ​​Clinical Review [Internet]. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2022. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK601688/ 
  3. ‌‌Wharton S, Calanna S, Davies M, Dicker D, Goldman B, Lingvay I, et al. Gastrointestinal tolerability of once‐weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg in adults with overweight or obesity, and the relationship between gastrointestinal adverse events and weight loss. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. 2021 Oct 4;24(1). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34514682/ 
  4. ‌National Health Service. Water, Drinks and Your Health [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2023. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/ 
  5. Anthony MS, Aroda VR, Parlett LE, Djebarri L, Berreghis S, Calingaert B, et al. Risk of Anaphylaxis Among New Users of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: A Cohort Study. Diabetes Care [Internet]. 2024 Apr 1 [cited 2024 May 20];47(4):712–9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38363873/ 
  6. NHS. Physical activity guidelines for older adults [Internet]. NHS. 2024. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-older-adults/
  7. NICE recommended weight-loss drug to be made available in specialist NHS services [Internet]. NICE. 2023. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/nice-recommended-weight-loss-drug-to-be-made-available-in-specialist-nhs-services 
  8. ‌Yin DG, Ding LL, Zhou HR, Qiu M, Duan XY. Comprehensive analysis of the safety of semaglutide in type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of the SUSTAIN and PIONEER trials. Endocrine Journal. 2021;68(6):739–42. Available from: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/endocrj/68/6/68_EJ21-0129/_html/

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