Side effects of semaglutide: what to expect?

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, helps many people lose weight significantly. However, like all medicines, semaglutide also has side effects. In this article you can read about which side effects are most common, when they disappear, what symptoms are serious and what you can do to relieve the discomfort. This way you will know exactly what to pay attention to.

What are the most common side effects of semaglutide?

The most common side effects of semaglutide are stomach and intestinal disorders. Nausea occurs in about 44 percent of users of Wegovy, followed by diarrhea (30 percent), vomiting (25 percent) and constipation (24 percent). These complaints are directly related to how semaglutide works: the drug delays gastric emptying, which makes food stay in the stomach longer. It suppresses appetite, but can also cause discomfort. Other commonly reported side effects include headache, fatigue and a slightly elevated heart rate. A small percentage of users also experience temporary hair loss, which is probably related to the rapid weight loss and not to the drug itself.

When do the side effects of semaglutide disappear?

In most users, the side effects noticeably subside after four to eight weeks. The body gradually gets used to the altered gastric emptying and the higher GLP-1 activity. The build-up plan used for Wegovy, where the dose is incrementally increased from 0.25 to finally 2.4 mg per week, is designed precisely for this reason. Anyone who undergoes the titration phase according to the regulations in most cases experiences significantly fewer inconveniences than with an abrupt start on a higher dose. Research shows that only 4.5 percent of semaglutide users in the STEP 1 study discontinued treatment due to gastrointestinal distress, compared to 0.8 percent in the placebo group.

Are there serious side effects of semaglutide?

Yes, but they are rare. The most important serious side effect is pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms are severe, persistent abdominal pain, sometimes with radiating to the back, combined with nausea or vomiting. Anyone who experiences this needs to stop semaglutide immediately and consult a doctor. In addition, there is an increased risk of gallstones, especially with rapid weight loss. A safety review of semaglutide concludes that gallstones are the most relevant serious adverse reaction with prolonged use. Another rare side effect is an eye disease called NAION, which can affect vision; this occurs in about 1 in 10,000 patients per year. In addition, severe dehydration due to persistent vomiting or diarrhea can lead to kidney problems.

What are the long-term side effects?

In the long term, side effects of semaglutide are relatively rare. The most commonly reported are gallstones, which occur more frequently in people with rapid and significant weight loss, as well as fatigue in the first months of treatment. A meta-analysis of four clinical studies shows that semaglutide users without diabetes had a 1.59 times higher risk of gastrointestinal distress than people receiving placebo, but that long-term serious adverse events remained limited. Goodweigh actively follows up patients through regular check-ups, so that any signs are detected early.

How to reduce the side effects of semaglutide?

There are a number of practical measures that can significantly reduce the inconvenience. Eating slowly, eating small portions and avoiding fatty or heavily seasoned meals will help reduce the load on the stomach. It is important to drink a lot, especially in case of diarrhea or vomiting. Intense exercise right after the injection can worsen the nausea; a leisurely walk shortly after the meal is a better option. Anyone who continues to experience problems can temporarily lower the dose by staying on a lower dose for a longer period of time. IN Goodweight Program you will receive tailored guidance for this type of problem, so that you do not have to decide on your dosage on your own.

When should you stop using semaglutide due to side effects?

You should stop in the event of severe, persistent abdominal pain, severe dehydration that does not improve with fluid intake, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or an allergic reaction such as a skin rash or swollen lips. Even in case of jaundice or sharply reduced urine output, you should immediately consult a doctor. In less acute cases, such as persistent nausea that hinders daily life, Goodweigh will decide together with you on a temporary dose reduction or a break in treatment.

Difference between semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs in terms of side effects?

The adverse reaction profile of semaglutide is very similar to that of weight loss drug Saxenda, which contains the active substance liraglutide. However, there is an important difference: semaglutide is given once a week, while liraglutide must be injected daily. The higher peak concentrations of a daily drug can lead to more acute complaints, while the weekly dose of semaglutide produces a more stable blood mirror. A large-scale meta-analysis in the British Medical Journal shows that gastrointestinal distress is the primary adverse event for the entire GLP-1 class, but that the profile differs depending on the drug and dosage. Wegovy for weight loss and Ozempic for type 2 diabetes contain the same active substance, semaglutide, but are intended for different indications and dosages.

Side effects don't have to be a reason to stop

Most of the side effects of semaglutide are mild, temporary and easily manageable. They are most pronounced in the first weeks of treatment, when the body has to get used to the drug. With the right support, you will get through this phase and achieve sustainable results. Would you like to know more about how semaglutide works or which side effects of Ozempic specifically is? Goodweigh helps you at every stage of your treatment.

‍

‍