GI Side Effects
The digestive cluster — nausea, constipation, diarrhea, reflux — that dominates GLP-1 tolerability and usually settles.
GLP-1 therapy's side-effect story is overwhelmingly gastrointestinal: nausea most commonly, with constipation, diarrhea, bloating, burping, and reflux filling out the table. All trace to the same source — digestion deliberately slowed — and all share the pattern of flaring at dose changes and easing with adaptation.
Each has a standard counter: fiber, fluids, and movement for constipation; smaller low-fat meals for nausea and reflux; electrolytes during diarrhea spells. Two boundaries matter: dehydration from persistent vomiting or diarrhea can stress the kidneys, and symptoms that are severe, escalating, or painful rather than annoying deserve a clinician's eyes. Programs with 7-day support exist precisely for this adjustment window.
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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