Millions of Americans have tried GLP-1 medications. Just a few years ago, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Byetta, and Wegovy were a go-to medication for people with type 2 diabetes. Today, the media hails them as a “miracle” weight loss drug. While these meds can help people shed the pounds, they come with a slew of unpleasant side effects. GLP-1 nausea is one of the most common.
Side effects and nausea on GLP-1 can be so severe that polls show many people stop taking the drugs within less than one year. In many cases, some level of queasiness is a part of how these drugs work. Nasuea remedies might help, but feeling squeamish is usually part of the package.
For those looking for similar appetite support without the same discomfort, our GLP-1 probiotic is a gentle, needle-free alternative. Learn about the science and clinical studies behind it today!
Why Does GLP-1 Cause Nausea in Some People?
GLP-1 can cause nausea because it slows down how quickly your stomach empties after you eat. That slower digestion can leave you feeling overly full and queasy.
Do all GLP-1 cause nausea? Not all. However, nausea on GLP-1 is common. Even more so when starting or increasing your dose.
Understanding How GLP-1 Drugs Work
GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking the actions of a natural hormone in your body. The hormone is called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This is the hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite.
GLP-1 medications regulate your blood sugar levels, stimulate insulin release, and slow down how fast your stomach empties a meal. That’s how these medications help people manage type 2 diabetes. All of this together can also signal your brain that you’re full. Losing weight is a side effect, not the main purpose of these drugs.
The Physiological Reason for Nausea
Why does GLP-1 cause nausea? The food sitting in your stomach for longer causes GLP-1 nausea. You will feel fuller for longer, but the slower digestion increases tummy pressure. It’s that heaviness that triggers your brain’s nausea centers. That’s why you can still feel sick on these medications even if you haven’t overeaten.
Risk Factors That Make Nausea on GLP-1 More Likely
Some people are more likely to experience GLP-1 nausea than others. It’s not always about the luck of the draw. Some risk factors can make you more likely to feel sick on GLP-1 drugs.
Short-acting GLP-1s can trigger more nausea than long-acting ones. Your age, digestive sensitivity, and kidney function can also impact nausea on GLP-1. People who get motion sickness can also be more prone to nausea. Other medications, like acid-reducing drugs, may increase the risk.
Some other risk factors include starting treatment too quickly or increasing the dose faster than recommended. Drinking alcohol and eating spicy foods or large, greasy meals can make your symptoms worse.
Do All GLP-1 Drugs Cause Nausea?
Not all GLP-1 drugs cause nausea, but it’s a common side effect for many. Nausea is the most often reported GI side effect of GLP-1 medications. A lot of people report that the sickness or nausea is the worst when starting the medication or increasing the dosage.
Commonly Reported Drugs and Their Nausea Rates
Do all GLP-1 cause nausea? Most do, but the likelihood can vary depending on the specific medication. Here’s a look at some of the most widely used GLP-1 drugs with their typical nausea rates. These numbers show how many people in a clinical trial reported feeling nauseous while taking each medication.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy) - 14%–58%
- Semaglutide (Ozempic/Rybelsus) - 20%–50%
- Exenatide (Byetta) - 40%–44%
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) - 20.43%
The stats on GLP-1 nausea aren’t great. These medications also come with other side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation. That’s why more people are turning to semaglutide natural alternatives.
Why Some People Experience Severe Nausea and Others Don’t
Like any medicine, people will have different reactions. Some people’s stomachs are more sensitive to slower digestion. People with gut issues or genetic predispositions can have a harder time with severe nausea.
Age, pre-existing digestive issues, kidney function, and other medications can also influence how your body responds. Even emotional or stress-related eating may trigger nausea for some people on these drugs.
How to Stop GLP-1 Nausea: Tips for Fast Relief
If you’re feeling queasy, a GLP-1 nausea remedy might help you get some relief. Everyone’s different, so finding how to stop GLP-1 nausea for you might take some trial and error.
You can try a few home remedies to help settle your upset stomach.
Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals Instead of Massive Portions
Eating a large meal can make your nausea worse because it puts extra pressure on your stomach. Smaller portions spread throughout the day are easier to handle while your stomach gets used to digesting food more slowly.
Try not to eat fast. Eating quickly can make the nausea worse and make you eat more food.
Choose Bland, Low-Fat Foods That Are Easier to Digest
Greasy, heavy, or spicy foods are harder to digest. Sugary treats can also trigger nausea.
Try to avoid these foods if you're struggling with nausea while taking a GLP-1. Stick with simple, easy-to-digest options like toast, rice, broth, or bananas.
Stay Upright for 1-2 Hours After Eating
Staying upright can help your stomach digest food. Lying down usually causes slower digestion on top of the already slower gastric emptying. Sitting or standing for an hour or two after a meal can help your stomach start moving food along. Food sitting in your belly for too long never feels good.
The Role of Hydration in Managing Nausea on GLP-1
Did you know these meds also affect your thirst drive? Sometimes people taking GLP-1 drugs don’t feel thirsty and forget to drink water. Hydrating is important because dehydration can lead to more nausea.
Try to sip on water throughout the day instead of chugging a bottle here and there. Gulping down too much at once can make you feel even more nauseous.
Can You Take Dramamine for GLP-1 Nausea?
If a natural GLP-1 nausea remedy doesn’t do it for you, some people turn to over-the-counter anti-nausea meds. Dramamine is a common antihistamine for motion sickness symptoms like
nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
If you have severe nausea, a doctor might suggest an anti-nausea medicine. Check with your doctor before you take anything. Some people can’t take antihistamines because they interact with other medications.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Most GLP-1 side effects are not serious. However, you should seek medical attention if you have severe vomiting and diarrhea. Severe pain or tenderness in your belly can also be a sign that something is wrong. If you notice jaundice (yellow skin color), dehydration, dizziness, or extra rapid weight loss, a doctor should check you out right away.
Avoid GLP-1 Nausea Altogether by Switching to res
Figuring out how to stop GLP-1 nausea is one thing. But what if you could avoid it altogether? Instead of finding a GLP-1 nausea remedy, we created a product that doesn’t cause it in the first place.
It might be time for a different approach. At res, we focus on creating products that help support gut health. We blend clinically researched probiotic strains with botanical ingredients to give you natural GLP-1 support.
Why the Gut Microbiome Matters in GLP-1 Nausea
Did you know that more than 70% of the immune system lives in your gut? Your gut microbiome is home to millions of bacteria and other microorganisms living in your digestive system. A healthy, happy gut microbiome breaks down food and moves it through your body. Remember that GLP-1 drugs slow down digestion. A healthy gut can handle the slower emptying better.
GLP-1 drugs can cause changes in your gut bacteria and function. An unhealthy gut can make you feel worse. Want to learn more about gut health? Check out our other articles about the best fruits for gut health and vitamins for gut health.
How ResBiotic Supports Natural GLP-1 Without Side Effects
Our GLP-1 Postbiotic is a top physician-formulated supplement for metabolic weight control. resM supports appetite control, weight, and healthy blood sugar already in a normal range.
Unlike prescription GLP-1 drugs, we help support your natural GLP-1 activity with GLP-1 postbiotics, vitamins, and herbs. Our gentler approach doesn’t cause that annoying, heavy, queasy feeling.
Who This Approach is Perfect For
We made resM for adults seeking natural metabolic support. People just starting to lose weight, supplementing a GLP-1 prescription, or transitioning off medications can use resM.
Many in our community use it to support healthy blood sugar, curb cravings, and maintain results alongside their prescriptions. Take a closer look at the clinical trials we did for our gut health supplements to learn more about what’s possible with res!
Parting Thoughts on Nausea on GLP-1
Nausea from slower digestion, brain effects, and increased satiety come with the territory of GLP-1 drugs. Do all GLP-1 cause nausea? Not necessarily, but why take the risk?
If you’re someone who struggles with feeling sick while taking a GLP-1, there may be a better alternative. Skip the jabs entirely by choosing a gentler approach. Making some simple lifestyle changes and supplementing with a semaglutide alternative might be all you need to avoid nausea and other GLP-1 side effects.
Click to try resM today!