Wegovy's side effects & benefits: tips for weight loss success

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 1 year ago · 5 min read

If you are one of the millions of people who are considering taking Wegovy, it helps to know the drugâs side effects. As with any other prescription medication, Wegovy has side effects or adverse reactions that can disrupt your life.

However, there is good news. According to Nice Rx, there are steps you can take to avoid experiencing Wegovyâs side effects. 

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a prescription drug designed specifically for weight loss. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014, Wegovy was touted for its superior ability to promote weight loss. The drug itself is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist or GLP-1. GLP-1 medications are designed for sustained and long-term weight loss. They work by activating the secretion of insulin, while manipulating your bodyâs set point. A set point is the weight range that you typically maintain. This number tends to fluctuate, depending on your diet. 

Once taken, Wegovy causes feelings of fullness and reduces your appetite. Because you donât feel hungry, it is less likely that you will become hungry between meals. And because you are less hungry, cravings for bad food may subside.  Wegovy is a higher dose form of Semaglutide. When combined with regular exercise and a healthy diet, Wegovy is highly effective in causing weight loss.

Wegovy Side Effects:

But what are Wegovyâs side effects, and how can you avoid them? According to experts, Wegovy is known to cause a number of adverse effects, including the following:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea 

• Headaches

• Abdominal pain

• Upset stomach

• Fatigue

• Flatulence

• Acid reflux

According to experts, one of the best things you can do to avoid Wegovyâs side effects is to change your diet. This can be painful, but experts recommend eating low-fat and bland foods, such as rice, crackers, and toast. It is also beneficial to eat foods with a high water content. Foods with a high water content include gelatin and soup. You should eat slowly, and donât lie down after you have eaten. It also helps to go outside and get fresh air on a regular basis.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you avoid Wegovy entirely, because of its potentially dangerous side effects. Wegovy can, for example, increase your risk for thyroid cancer. Some people may experience sweating and dizziness while taking Wegovy.

According to WebMD, other foods with a high water content include the following:

• Watercress. Watercress has a very high water content. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) called watercress a powerhouse food for its water content. 

• Cucumber. A single cucumber is 95 percent water, and is packed with fiber, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K.

• Tomatoes. Tomatoes contain a lot of water. A single cup of tomato is packed with 170.14 grams of water.

• Apples. Already known for their high fiber content, apples are a great source of water. A 100-gram serving of apples has 85.56 grams of water. Apples are the ideal snack for those who want to boost their water intake. 

• Peaches. Peaches already have a high fiber content, which makes them a filling food. However, peaches are 88 percent water, making them beneficial for those who want to increase their water intake.

• Watermelon. Watermelon is made up of 92 percent water, which makes it a great option for those looking to increase their water intake and boost their weight loss efforts. Watermelon is also high in antioxidants. 

• Broth. Broth is another food with a high water content. Broth itself is a soup thatâs made by cooking seasonings with bones in water. If you add vegetables to broth, you increase its water content. Broth is both tasty and satisfying.  

Wegovy can cause long-term side effects that may cause problems later on. According to Healthline, long-term side effects of Wegovy include:

• Swelling of the gallbladder or gallstones

• Diabetic retinopathy or damage to the eyeâs blood vessels

• C-cell tumors

C-cells are found in the thyroid gland. The development of C-cell tumors is one of the most serious side effects of this medication. Wegovy comes with a black box warning about this side effect. According to experts, you can lower your chances of getting thyroid cancer by avoiding exposure to radiation. This means that you should avoid or limit the number of medical imaging scans you get. Some experts recommend spacing imaging scans between periods of 25 years. 

Because nausea and vomiting are common side effects of Wegovy, it is important to learn how to handle these. Experts recommend that you sip ice cold drinks, such as water. You should also cut fried and fatty foods from your diet. Additionally, do not exercise immediately after you have eaten. 

Because some people get diarrhea when taking this medication, it helps to know how you can stop it. Medical professionals recommend that you stay hydrated by drinking beverages, such as juices, water, and broth. Sports drinks are allowed. However, you should avoid alcohol and caffeine as much as possible. 

If you experience constipation while taking Wegovy, you can do a number of things. Try increasing your water intake, consume more fiber, and exercise. Your doctor may be able to recommend an over-the-counter medication for constipation. 

Sometimes the problem lies with Semaglutide. However, there are ways to avoid the side effects of Semaglutide as a whole. Most people who experience the side effects of Semaglutide find that they go away after a few weeks of taking it. In some cases, it can take time to get used to taking Semaglutide, and this may be part of the reason you experience side effects with Wegovy.

If you experience symptoms that are similar to symptoms of stomach flu, over-the counter medications like Pepto Bismol may effectively treat your symptoms. Pepto Bismol is known for treating diarrhea, indigestion, acid reflux, and diarrhea. While not everyone who takes Wegovy will experience side effects, 73 percent of adults who take the maximum dosage experience some type of gastrointestinal side effect. 

In rare occasions, those who take Wegovy will develop kidney failure or pancreatitis. Wegovy is not a short-term solution for weight loss, and most people stay on it long-term. This means that you can stay on it as long as you want for it to benefit you. There is no evidence that taking Wegovy for a long period can hurt you. However, if you experience adverse side effects, you may need to stop taking this medication, despite success on your weight loss journey. Ozempic is a good alternative. However, it is best to discuss alternative options with your doctor.

You may also experience indigestion when you take this medication. If you experience side effects while taking Wegovy, it is important to consider your individual situation. It is difficult to predict how severe your symptoms will be or how long they will last. If you still have side effects after a few weeks of taking Wegovy, your doctor may need to reduce your dosage. 

If you want to avoid experiencing side effects while taking Wegovy, it is important to know which foods you should avoid. According to experts, you should avoid carbonated drinks, such as soda and seltzers. You should also avoid sugary foods, such as cakes, cookies, yogurt, and ice cream.  You should stop eating pizza, fried chicken, French fries, and burgers. You should also avoid smoothies, carbohydrates, and processed foods. 

If you are taking Wegovy for weight loss, it is important to get your doctorâs help in putting together a good eating plan for you. In some situations, your doctor may not want you to consume certain foods, based on your situation. Those who take Wegovy should eat a diet filled with lean meats and fresh vegetables. So what other foods are good choices if you take Wegovy? 

Low-carb wraps, pitas, and crackers are great breakfast choices if you take Wegovy. High-protein foods, such as eggs and ham, are great options, because they promote feelings of fullness. Just Crack an Egg and prepackaged breakfast foods are great options if you want to achieve success on Wegovy. These are packed with protein. These keep you full for a long time and may keep you full until lunch. It is a good idea to consume foods that are rich in vitamins, such as fruits and vegetables. 

It is also advisable to eat a lot of whole grain and low-fat foods. Fruits and vegetables are great food options, because they are low in fat and calories. Plus, they fill you up and taste great. Of course, it is important to consume a lot of protein. Protein is essential to the bodyâs proper functioning. It takes 15 minutes for your brain to recognize that you have eaten and that you are full, so you should focus on portion size. 

Experts recommend eating slowly when you take Wegovy. You should also consider eating moderate portions, so you donât risk overeating and detail your diet efforts. Plus, you donât feel like youâre not eating enough. Of course, it is important to prioritize your health and focus on physical activity.

13 Sources 

Nu Image Medical has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.