GLP-1 RA side effects explained: Common, rare, and long-term considerations

While most side effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) like Wegovy® and Ozempic® are mild and manageable, they can still affect your day-to-day life. Issues like vomiting and dizziness can impact your ability to work and take care of your family. Because these symptoms might influence your lifestyle or keep you from adhering to the course of treatment, it’s important to understand them before taking medication.

Read on as we unpack the side effects of GLP-1 RAs as well as practical steps you can take to manage them.

The most common GLP-1 RA side effects

Below are common side effects you may experience during GLP-1 RA treatment. 

Gastrointestinal (GI) issues

According to research published in the Review of Diabetic Studies, GI disorders are the most common side effects of GLP-1 RA treatment. These conditions affect the stomach and intestines. Nausea is reported most, though people also experience the following side effects: 

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion

GLP-1 RAs often cause GI symptoms because the treatments slow the movement of food through your stomach. When food sits in your stomach longer, it causes it to stretch, triggering nausea and vomiting signals in the brain. 

Body composition changes

You may have heard of Ozempic face, Ozempic butt, and Ozempic feet. The terms refer to sunken or sagging appearances in these areas caused by rapid fat loss. When this happens, wrinkles might stand out more, and your cheeks may appear less full. There’s not a guaranteed way to prevent sagging, but losing weight slowly, maintaining muscle mass, and eating more protein can help. 

It’s important to note that any rapid weight loss may cause these effects. They’re not specifically tied to GLP-1 RAs.

Other common side effects

Issues not related to the stomach or intestines include:

• Respiratory and urinary tract infections
• Increased heart rate
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth, sometimes leading to dental problems (Ozempic teeth)
• Mild itching at the injection site 
• Headaches

Recognizing rare risks and when to call a provider

Serious complications from GLP-1 RA therapy are rare, but they do exist. Here are a few risks your physician will go over with you:

• Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, leading to severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back.
• Bowel obstructions are blockages in the intestines that prevent food and fluids from moving through. Symptoms include abdominal pain, severe constipation, and lack of appetite.
• Intussusception refers to part of the intestine sliding into a nearby section, potentially causing an obstruction. Vomiting, bloating, and bloody stools may all point to intussusception.

Simple changes that ease GLP-1 RA side effects

Many people report more side effects early in their treatment and following dosage increases. These issues are likely to lessen as your dosage stabilizes and your body adapts. But to ease your symptoms in the meantime, consider making the following adjustments.

Diet

A team of healthcare professionals reviewed several studies for insight into preventing GI problems. They found food was a big part of the answer. 

According to their research, you should eat slowly, eat smaller meals more often, and only eat when you’re hungry. Choose lower-fat, easy-to-digest foods like soup and yogurt rather than sweet or spicy options. And after mealtimes, avoid going to bed or lying down for a few hours. 

Hydration

If you’re experiencing constipation, try to drink more water. If you’re dehydrated, your stool might be dry, making it harder to pass. 

Treatment adjustments

Let your physician know if you’re experiencing any side effects, especially after upping your dosage. Your doctor might lower your dose or wait longer between increases.

Who shouldn’t take GLP-1 RAs?

GLP-1 RA therapy might not be right for you if:

• You’re pregnant or planning to conceive. This caution stems from a lack of research into GLP-1 RAs’ effects on fetal development — scientists simply don’t know enough yet to consider them safe.
• You’re breastfeeding. Similar to pregnancy, researchers don’t have enough data on how these treatments affect breastfed babies. 
• You’ve been diagnosed with an eating disorder or are at risk of developing one. This includes conditions like anorexia and bulimia. The National Eating Disorders Association notes several reasons GLP-1 RAs might not be a good fit for those with eating disorders, including misuse of the medication, malnourishment, and issues eating intuitively. 
• You have, or are at risk of developing, medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia 2 (MEN-2). Early rodent studies suggest GLP-1 RAs might produce cancer cells on the thyroid, but there’s a lack of evidence this actually affects humans. 

Finding the right support with Maven Clinic

At Maven Clinic, we provide personalized, holistic GLP-1 RA care that doesn’t stop at prescription. We integrate treatment into a holistic women’s health model, which includes continuous symptom management. 

You have access to a coordinated team of clinicians spanning over 30 specialties, who all recognize the same truth: As your body changes, your care plan should change alongside it. 

That’s why millions of women trust us with their care. To find out more, reach out to our support team or read about our approach to whole-person GLP-1 care.

FAQ

What are the most common short-term side effects of GLP-1 RAs? 

GI side effects are the most common, affecting upward of one in 10 patients. These include symptoms like nausea (the most common), vomiting, and diarrhea. They’re usually short-lived, mild-to-moderate, and manageable with your doctor’s guidance. 

Are there any serious or rare risks I should be aware of? 

Yes, GLP-1 RA treatment comes with an increased risk of pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, biliary disease, and intussusception. This isn’t an exhaustive list, and risk levels vary by condition. However, these conditions are rare. For more details, chat with your doctor. 

What’s "Ozempic face," and is it a medical side effect? 

Ozempic face isn’t a medical term. It’s an informal way of describing changes in facial appearance after rapid weight loss. Sunken eyes, sagging skin, and wrinkles are all common characteristics. Rather than a condition, think of Ozempic face as a weight loss-related side effect of GLP-1 RAs.

Am I likely to experience more side effects on GLP-1 RA pills compared to injectable forms?

Research shows people experienced fewer side effects with GLP-1 injections compared to oral formulations. But experiences vary between brands and individuals. 

Can GLP-1 RAs cause muscle loss along with fat loss?

The weight you lose on GLP-1 therapy might not all be fat. Up to 40% could come from lean mass, which includes muscle. Healthy lifestyle habits like structured exercise and increased protein intake help maintain your muscle mass.

What happens if I stop taking GLP-1 RAs?

When you discontinue GLP-1 medications, your body gradually returns to baseline as the medication’s effects wear off. In some patients, this can lead to weight regain.

That’s not to say that maintaining progress is out of the question. At Maven Clinic, we build lifestyle habits and metabolic support into your care from day one. Paired with ongoing post-treatment support, we help you ‌maintain long-term results.