Constipation (on GLP-1 Therapy)
A common, underdiscussed GLP-1 effect — slowed gut transit plus smaller food volume — with reliable fixes.
Constipation on GLP-1 therapy has two mechanical causes: the drugs slow transit through the whole gut, and eating much less means less bulk moving through it. It often outlasts nausea as the persistent annoyance of maintenance-phase treatment.
The fix stack is unglamorous and effective, in order: water (appetite suppression quietly suppresses drinking too), fiber from food or a psyllium supplement, daily walking, magnesium at night if needed, and an osmotic laxative like polyethylene glycol for stubborn spells — with stimulant laxatives as occasional tools, not habits. Mention it at check-ins rather than suffering politely; dose timing and diet tweaks are adjustable, and severe pain or no output for many days is a call-your-doctor situation.
This glossary entry is general information, not medical advice, and is written to be consistent with FDA prescribing information and primary trial publications as of its last review. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for personal medical decisions.
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