GLP-1 Side Effects: 7 Practical Ways to Feel Better

October 15, 2026

GLP-1 medicines such as semaglutide and tirzepatide can help with weight loss, but many people notice stomach side effects at first. The most common are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and lower appetite. They are most likely when you first start or right after a dose increase, and they often improve if you keep taking the medicine.¹²

7 practical ways to feel better

Eat small meals. Try a small breakfast, then small meals every 3 to 4 hours. Vomiting is more likely after a large meal.³
Sip fluids all day. Steady fluids help with nausea, constipation and diarrhea, and replace what you lose.³
Go easy on fatty and greasy foods. Skipping fatty and very high-fiber foods for the first few days can ease nausea, and avoiding large or high-fat meals can help with diarrhea.³
Add fiber slowly. For constipation, increase fiber from food gradually and drink enough fluids. Prunes and other dried fruit can help.³
Try ginger or peppermint tea. Some people find these, or acupressure bands, help with nausea.³
Keep alcohol to a minimum. It can make nausea and reflux worse.³
Ask your doctor about medicines that help. Anti-nausea medicine, or magnesium, a fiber supplement or a stool softener for constipation, may be options.³

When to call your doctor

Severe vomiting or diarrhea can dry you out and harm your kidneys.³ If you can't keep liquids down, tell your doctor.⁴ Call right away for stomach pain that won't go away (sometimes spreading to your back), peeing much less than usual, a lump or swelling in your neck, or changes in your vision.⁴⁵ Get emergency medical help right away for swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing or swallowing.⁴

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