Introduction
Weight loss medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro can very commonly cause gastrointestinal and other side effects in people who use them. In this blog, we’ll look at some of these very common side effects and consider how to reduce them via holistic methods and over the counter products.
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Immediate medical help should be sought in the event of breathing problems, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, throat, difficulty swallowing, wheezing, fast heartbeat, pale and cold skin, sudden weakness or dizziness. |
What are the very common side effects of Wegovy and Mounjaro?
The very common side effects (seen in 1 out of 10 people) of Wegovy include:
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Headaches.
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Vomiting.
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Diarrhoea.
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Constipation.
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Nausea.
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Bloating.
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Fatigue.
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Weakness.
The very common side effects (seen in 1 out of 10 people) of Mounjaro include:
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Vomiting.
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Diarrhoea.
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Constipation.
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Nausea.
You should refer to your medication’s Patient Information Leaflet for a complete list of potential side effects, including those which are common, uncommon, and rare. If at any time the above side effects are extreme or unmanageable, you should contact your doctor or prescriber right away.
How does dose escalation / titration affect potential side effects?
The side effects of weight loss medications typically correspond to those times when you are increasing your dose of medication (titrating up), and these side effects will typically lessen or go away as your body adjusts to the new medication dosage.
It’s important for your safety and wellbeing to start at a low dose of weight loss medication when you first begin taking it, and then to gradually increase the dose over time as per your prescriber’s instructions.
If at any time your side effects are intolerable, you should reach out to your prescriber for additional advice and guidance.
How do I deal with nausea and mild abdominal pain?
If you experience nausea or mild abdominal pain while taking a weight loss medication, we recommend that you try reducing your meal size. You should aim for smaller, more frequent meals that have an appropriate protein content and which aren’t high in fat. Be sure to eat slowly, remain hydrated, and focus on simple, plain foods.
How do I deal with vomiting?
If you experience vomiting whilst on weight loss medication, it’s important to ensure that you remain hydrated. You may also find it helpful to take electrolytes, such as O.R.S. Hydration Blackcurrant Tablets, in order to start feeling better by replenishing lost electrolytes and fluids.
Try to still eat small, frequent meals, focusing on simple, plain foods and avoiding high fat foods.
If needed, you can also try an anti-nausea medication, such as Buccastem M Buccal tablets.
How do I deal with extreme lack of appetite?
Weight loss medications work by helping to suppress your appetite. However, it’s important that you still eat and get proper nutrition.
If your lack of appetite is extreme, you may find it helpful to set reminders to eat. It may also help to keep a food diary, or to eat whenever it is that you do feel hungry, even if this is not at a normal mealtime.
How do I deal with bloating?
If you’re experiencing bloating while on weight loss medication, try eating smaller, more frequent meals, and be sure to eat slowly. Avoid fizzy drinks, and take small sips.
How do I deal with headaches?
It may help to reduce your headaches by staying hydrated and avoiding too much screen time. You may also find it beneficial to get some fresh air, or to lie down for a rest or a nap.
If needed, you can take medication like paracetamol.
How do I deal with diarrhoea?
If you experience diarrhoea whilst taking weight loss medication, it’s important to stay hydrated and to avoid caffeine. Be sure that you continue to eat, but focus on smaller, more frequent meals and eat slowly. Reduce your intake of fatty foods and insoluble fibre, and consider taking some probiotics, such as Diso Probiotic Gut Health Oral Strips or Bio-Kult Advanced Multi-Strain Formula.
If needed, you can also take a product like Dioralyte Relief Blackcurrant Sachets, an oral rehydration solution specifically designed to help alleviate diarrhoea symptoms while rehydrating your body. The sachets contain electrolytes, glucose, and rice powder, all of which help to soothe the digestive system.
How do I deal with constipation?
If constipation occurs, it’s important to stay hydrated and to keep moving about regularly. Ensure that you are consuming regular, balanced meals and check your overall fibre intake.
If needed, you can use a fibre product such as Fybogel, which comes in various flavours such as the original, lemon, and orange.
How do I deal with fatigue and weakness?
If you’re feeling fatigued or weak whilst taking weight loss medication, ensure that you’re eating regular, balanced meals so that you’re giving your body proper nutrition and sufficient energy. It’s important to increase your hydration as well as your protein intake.
Even if you don’t have the energy to do a long or intense exercise session, you should still try to go for a walk or do some light exercise when you can. This will help the medication to be the most effective.
Try to keep to a regular sleep schedule at appropriate times to help regulate your body.
In summary
In this blog, we specifically looked at the very common side effects associated with the Wegovy and Mounjaro weight loss medications. These side effects are most likely to occur when you’re escalating (titrating up) your dose of medication, and they usually subside over time as your body adjusts to the medication. However, there are holistic changes you can make and over the counter medications and products you can take which may help alleviate these side effects. Always remember to contact your prescriber if the side effects you experience are intolerable at any time, and seek immediate medical attention if you have breathing problems, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, throat, difficulty swallowing, wheezing, fast heartbeat, pale and cold skin, sudden weakness or dizziness.