Constipation is among the most frustrating side effects people experience on GLP-1 medications. What starts as mild bloating or irregularity can turn into days of sluggish digestion, cramping, and fatigue that make it harder to stay consistent with your plan.
Don’t expect GLP-1 constipation to just go away on its own. The good news, though, is that there are smart, science-based ways to get your gut moving again without disrupting your progress. We’ll share some of the top ways to manage constipation on GLP-1 drugs below, from rehydrating strategically to rebuilding fiber and microbiome balance.
But one of the best forms of GLP-1 constipation relief is just a few clicks away at res. Our GLP-1 probiotic and prebeet ENERGY prebiotic has helped thousands of people get back to feeling like themselves by creating balance in the gut. Learn more about the science-backed ingredients in our formula today!
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Overview of GLP-1 and Constipation
Yes, GLP-1 treatments can be very effective for rapid weight loss - but they do come at the cost of personal comfort in many cases. Constipation is one of the most common side effects people taking GLP-1 medications report.
The link between GLP-1 and constipation makes sense when you think about it. These drugs slow down digestion to prevent overeating and keep you feeling full. Sometimes, though, this can lead to you feeling “backed up.”
What Are GLP-1 Drugs?
Whether you’re considering Wegovy vs Ozempic or any other brand-name prescription drug, they more or less work the same way - mimicking a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar and appetite.
The drugs were actually first developed for type 2 diabetes, but they’ve become increasingly prescribed for weight loss because they help people eat less and feel satisfied sooner.
GLP-1 drugs slow down the movement of food through the digestive tract by acting on the same receptors that control hunger and digestion. This delay keeps you feeling full, but it also means the colon receives less stimulation, which can, in turn, slow down your bowel movements.
Signs You May Be Constipated
You know when you’re constipated. You think for a moment and realize it’s been a few days since you had a real, full bowel movement. Those aches in your stomach are impossible to ignore. Here are all the common signs you might be struggling with constipation:
- Fewer than three bowel movements per week
- Hard or lumpy stools that are difficult to pass
- Bloating, abdominal tightness, or mild cramping
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation after using the bathroom
These are signals your gut may need more support to adapt to your medication - or that it’s time to rebalance digestion from the inside out. But let’s get more specific: why do GLP-1 drugs cause constipation, exactly?
Why Do GLP-1 Drugs Cause Constipation?
Constipation on GLP-1 drugs can take a toll, leaving you wondering whether it’s really worth the weight loss support. But understanding why you’re dealing with GLP-1 constipation as a side effect is the first step towards finding relief and preventing the issue going forward.
Slowed Gastric Emptying
GLP-1 drugs intentionally slow the rate at which food leaves the stomach. That’s a huge part of how they help keep your appetite at bay so you feel full for longer. But that same slowdown affects the entire digestive system - for better or worse.
The colon absorbs more water from stool as stomach contents slowly move through the intestines. This makes the stool firmer and harder to pass. But the lower motility also means the muscles that push waste forward aren’t contracting as often. This creates the perfect environment for constipation: sluggish movement, less lubrication, and longer transit time.
Dehydration and Reduced Food Volume
People on GLP-1s eat much less than they usually do, and this change in eating habits alone can back up digestion. Smaller meals mean less bulk for the intestines to work with, and fiber intake frequently drops because patients naturally eat fewer fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Dehydration only makes matters worse. Another common side effect is GLP-1 nausea, and this leads to people drinking less water without even realizing it. Even healthy bowel patterns can slow to a crawl without enough fluid to soften stool.
Microbiome and Bile Flow Disruption
The gut microbiome is made up of trillions of bacteria that help digest food. This environment shifts during GLP-1 therapy as well, which can lead to constipation on GLP-1 drugs.
Changes in bile flow and nutrient absorption could alter microbial diversity, in turn reducing the populations that help produce short-chain fatty acids. These are essential for gut motility. So when populations of beneficial bacteria plummet, a cascade of issues can occur:
- Stool formation changes
- Gas production increases
- The intestines lose some of their natural rhythm
- Less bile secretion decreases gut lubrication
Who Is Most at Risk
All of these things add up to sluggish bowel movements and overall gut discomfort. But, it’s important to note that not everyone will automatically deal with GLP-1 constipation. There are certain groups who are more prone to constipation on GLP-1 drugs:
- You’ve recently started treatment or had a dose increase.
- You consume low amounts of fiber or fluids.
- You already struggle with slow digestion or IBS-C.
- You take other medications that slow the gut (iron, opioids, antihypertensives).
- You’re losing weight rapidly and eating far less volume overall.
Constipation can persist long after the initial adjustment phase for these groups, unless the gut is actively supported through hydration, dietary fiber, and microbiome care. So, let’s get into some tips on GLP-1 constipation relief below!
How to Relieve GLP-1 Constipation
Once digestion slows, the goal is to gently nudge your system back into rhythm. That doesn’t mean reaching for harsh laxatives or extreme diets. Instead, try these simple, evidence-based adjustments to help restore regularity while supporting the same healthy metabolism you’re working toward.
Smart Rehydration Strategies
Hydration plays a direct role in bowel movement frequency and consistency. But it’s not as easy as chugging a bunch of water all at once. Sipping consistently throughout the day gives your intestines a steady water supply.
Want to take GLP-1 constipation relief further? Warm liquids, especially first thing in the morning, can help stimulate peristalsis (the muscle contractions that move stool). You can also add electrolytes or a pinch of sea salt to your water to improve absorption, especially if nausea or smaller meals have reduced your overall water intake.
Reintroduce Fiber Gradually
So many GLP-1 users reduce calories so sharply that fiber becomes an afterthought. Reintroducing it too fast, however, can cause bloating. There’s a balancing act here.
Start with soluble fiber, such as chia seeds, oats, or cooked vegetables. These soften stools without creating gas. You can add insoluble fibers from foods like leafy greens, apples, and brown rice after a week or two to build bulk.
Food alone may not always be enough to battle constipation on GLP-1 drugs, though. You might consider eventually adding gentle fiber supplements such as psyllium husk or acacia fiber. Just make sure to increase slowly and pair each serving with plenty of water.
Move to Stimulate Digestion
One of the best ways to get things moving in your digestive system is to move your body! A 10-minute walk after meals encourages natural muscle contractions in the digestive tract.
Or, you can consider incorporating light yoga, core stretching, and abdominal massage to reduce bloating and discomfort. The key is consistency. Movement works best when it’s part of your daily rhythm, as with most things related to wellness.
Use Natural Softeners or Short-Term Aids if Needed
Now - stool softeners do have their place in GLP-1 constipation relief. But they should be used sparingly and thoughtfully. Magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate supplements attract water into the intestines and can be taken daily in moderate doses.
Stool softeners (like docusate sodium) work by coating stool to make it easier to pass, but again, they shouldn’t replace the long-term lifestyle adjustments we talked about above.
Whatever you do, avoid stimulant laxatives. They can cause dependency and weaken gut motility over time.
Support the Gut Microbiome
You know now how the gut microbiome directly affects bowel regularity. You also know that GLP-1 drugs can disrupt its balance. So, you need to take measures to offset that effect and get your gut back to working its best!
Fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi can help replenish beneficial bacteria. Better yet, consider a postbiotic, prebiotic or probiotic supplement to promote short-chain fatty acid production (such as resM and resG) to reestablish gut balance and motility.
Preventing Constipation on GLP-1 Drugs Going Forward
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Getting regular again is a relief, but keeping it that way takes consistency. GLP-1 medications will continue to slow digestion as long as you’re using them, so prevention isn’t about quick fixes. Here are some tips.
Build a Routine Around Digestion
Your digestive system thrives on predictability. Eating, hydrating, and moving at similar times each day can train your gut to operate on schedule. You might want to have your largest meal at roughly the same time daily and follow it with light movement to cue bowel activity.
Spacing meals several hours apart gives the body time to complete the “migrating motor complex.” This is a wave-like process that clears the intestines between meals. Frequent grazing or random eating patterns interrupt that natural rhythm, basically confusing your body.
Even the timing of your GLP-1 dose can matter. Some people find that taking their injection or pill before bed helps them sleep through the early digestive slowdown, while others feel better dosing earlier in the day. Track how your gut responds and work with your provider.
Monitor and Adjust Diet Wisely
GLP-1 constipation prevention isn’t only about adding fiber; you need to eat foods your slow digestive system can actually process. Lightly cooked vegetables, ripe fruits, and whole grains are gentler on the gut than raw salads or overly fibrous bran cereals.
Every meal you eat should be balanced with fiber, hydration, and healthy fats. Think oatmeal with chia and almond butter, or roasted vegetables drizzled with olive oil. These combinations soften stool naturally and keep things moving without overloading the stomach.
Don’t underestimate portion size, either. Your gut has less material to work with when you’re eating less overall. Nutrient density and hydration matter more than ever.
The res Gut-First Approach for Long-Term Comfort
Whether you’re on Ozempc vs Byetta or any other GLP-1 medication, your gut could use a little extra support. We here at res have come up with a GLP-1 probiotic designed to support the body’s natural motility and hormone balance by strengthening the gut microbiome - the very foundation of smooth digestion and steady metabolism.
The supplement combines a heat-inactivated probiotic with plant-derived compounds to help stimulate natural GLP-1 production. You’re essentially addressing the root of slow digestion, not just the symptom.
Aside from easing the discomfort of GLP-1 drugs, resM also supports GLP-1 signaling itself - up to 300% in some cases.* This helps quiet the food noise naturally so you feel more in control.*
This is why thousands of people currently on GLP-1 drugs are turning to res. It’s also why we’re earning independent clinical evaluations supporting resM as a reliable addition to a gut-focused regimen. See what resM can do for you today with a 30-day risk-free guarantee!
Final Words on GLP-1 Constipation Relief
GLP-1 constipation is all too common, but it doesn’t have to be the price you pay for progress on this medication. You can support your gut with hydration, balanced fiber, movement, and microbiome care to restore regular rhythms.
Our blog has additional resources on topics like Ozempic vs Bydureon, Tirzepatide vs Ozempic, and GLP-1 fatigue. At this point, though, all that’s left to do is support smoother digestion and steady metabolism with resM GLP-1 Postbiotic.
Shop now and keep your gut balanced along your GLP-1 journey!