Ozempic Constipation: Why Does Ozempic Cause Constipation & How To Get Relief

Ozempic is an amazing medicine designed to treat people with Type 2 diabetes. Like any medication, however, it comes with its fair share of side effects. 

One of the most commonly reported semaglutide side effects is constipation. While it may seem like a minor issue, Ozempic constipation can cause discomfort and interfere with your daily life if left untreated. 

Below, we'll look at why Ozempic constipation happens and what you can do to alleviate it.

What Are the Symptoms of Ozempic Constipation?

Constipation is the most common digestive complaint in the United States. 

It can cause a variety of symptoms, including lower abdominal pain and cramping, feeling bloated or full even after eating small amounts of food, straining during bowel movements, passing fewer than three stools per week, having hard stools or lumps that are difficult to pass, and experiencing a sensation of incomplete evacuation. 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Treatment options may include dietary and lifestyle changes, medications, or other therapies.

It’s also important to note that constipation can lead to more serious health conditions if left untreated. These can include gastrointestinal bleeding, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal impaction (a buildup of feces in the rectum that is hard to remove), and diverticulitis. 

Regular monitoring and treatment are key to avoiding these complications. 

Why Does Ozempic Cause Constipation?

Ozempic works by slowing down the digestion of food and reducing hunger hormones in the body. While this is a good thing for people with diabetes, it can also slow down the movement of stool in the intestines, leading to constipation and nausea for some patients. 

Additionally, Ozempic can cause dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, which makes it difficult for stool to pass through the intestines smoothly.

How To Get Ozempic Constipation Relief

Constipation is rarely a cause for concern but it can be uncomfortable and sometimes even painful. Below are some tips that can help you relieve Ozempic constipation:

Drink plenty of fluids: Dehydration can make constipation worse, so make sure you drink enough water and other fluids like herbal teas.

Eat a high-fiber diet: Foods high in fiber like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can add bulk to stool, which encourages it to pass through the GI tract.

Exercise regularly: Exercise helps regulate bowel movements by pushing stool through the GI tract faster.  Exercise also improves overall health and well-being.

Take over-the-counter laxatives: Laxatives can help relieve constipation by stimulating bowel movements, but they should only be used as a last resort. Consult your doctor before taking any laxatives.

Consider dietary supplements: PeptideVite is a dietary supplement formulated for supporting the use of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic.* It’s packed with ingredients researched for their possible effectiveness in reducing GI symptoms associated with Semaglutide, like constipation.* Taking a supplement like PeptideVite may help you control your GI symptoms while taking Ozempic.*

Talk to your doctor: If constipation persists, talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your Ozempic dosage or prescribe other semaglutide alternatives such as a different medication.

Precautions To Take While Using Ozempic

Apart from taking the above steps, there are some precautions you should take while taking Ozempic to help prevent constipation:

Follow a healthy diet: A healthy diet consisting of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can help prevent constipation. These foods are more easily digestible and less likely to irritate your GI tract. 

Conversely, greasy foods, fried foods, or overly processed snack foods and sweets can worsen Ozempic constipation symptoms. Avoid these foods entirely or consume them rarely. 

Eat smaller, frequent meals: Ozempic constipation is largely caused by delayed gastric emptying. The more food you eat in one sitting, the longer it will take to pass through your GI system. 

This can worsen constipation and prolong uncomfortable symptoms. Instead of eating 3 large meals per day, consider eating 5-6 smaller meals spaced throughout the day to sustain your energy levels without overworking your digestive system. 

Avoid alcohol: Besides being unhealthy and toxic to your liver, alcohol can also interfere with digestion. It can also cause stomach upset if over-consumed as well as dehydration, another constipation factor. 

For best results, refrain from alcohol altogether while taking Ozempic or consume it sparingly. 

Ozempic Constipation: The Bottom Line

Ozempic is a highly effective medication for people with Type 2 diabetes, but the constipation side effect can be a nuisance. 

Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate Ozempic constipation, including drinking plenty of fluids, following a high-fiber diet, and exercising regularly. 

It's recommended that you talk to your doctor if constipation persists and take all necessary precautions to prevent constipation while taking Ozempic. With these steps, you can stay healthy, prevent constipation, and enjoy all the benefits of Ozempic.