Common Side Effects and What to Expect
The most common GLP-1 side effects are nausea, early fullness, belching, mild stomach discomfort, constipation or diarrhea, and fatigue. Injection site redness can occur. These are usually mild to moderate and improve as your body adapts over several weeks.
Managing Nausea and Discomfort
Eat small, slow meals. Choose bland options when queasy and avoid greasy or very spicy foods. Stop at early fullness. Ginger tea or peppermints can help. If constipation appears, increase fluids and fiber gradually. If symptoms persist or limit eating, contact your care team.
When to Contact your Provider
Reach out if nausea or vomiting lasts more than 24 hours, if you cannot keep fluids down, if constipation lasts more than 3 days despite steps above, or if diarrhea leads to dizziness or dehydration. Contact us if you miss multiple doses, are unsure how to restart, or if side effects worsen after a dose increase.
Warning Signs and Emergency Guidance
Seek urgent care for severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, signs of dehydration, black or bloody stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or severe weakness. If you think it is an emergency, call 911.
Nutrition Tips During GLP-1 Therapy
Build each meal around protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Eat slowly, aim for mostly unprocessed foods, and limit ultra processed snacks and sugary drinks. Plan consistent mealtimes, especially on injection days, to avoid large, late meals.
Protein Intake and Meal Planning
Most adults do well at targeting 20 to 30 grams of protein per meal, with a daily total in the range of 1.0 to 1.2 g per kg body weight if appropriate for your health status. Examples include eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, chicken, fish, tofu, tempeh, legumes, and protein shakes. If you have kidney disease or other conditions, ask your clinician for a tailored plan.
Exercise Recommendations
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week plus two strength sessions. If you are starting out, begin with 10-to-15-minute walks and short bodyweight routines, then progress. Strength training preserves lean mass and supports long term weight maintenance.
Hydration Tips
Set a daily goal, commonly about 64 ounces, adjusting for body size, activity, and climate. Sip steadily through the day rather than chugging with meals. Use electrolyte solutions if vomiting or heavy sweating occurs. Watch for dark urine, dizziness, and dry mouth as signs you need more fluids.
Alcohol and GLP-1 Medications
Alcohol can worsen nausea and dehydration. Limit or avoid alcohol, especially during dose escalations or when you feel queasy. Never drink on an empty stomach. If you take other medications that affect blood sugar, ask your clinician about safe limits.
Sleep and Stress Management
Prioritize 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Keep a consistent bedtime, reduce late caffeine and screens, and try brief daily stress reducers like walks, breath work, or short guided relaxation. Better sleep and lower stress improve appetite control and energy.
Expected Timeline and Results
Appetite changes often appear in the first 1 to 2 weeks. Digestive side effects usually improve within 2 to 6 weeks. Weight changes commonly begin in weeks 2 to 4 and build with consistent habits. Expect plateaus. Long term results come from medication plus nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management.
Our GLP-1 telehealth support team can personalize your plan, adjust dosing if needed, and help with managing GLP-1 nausea, GLP-1 nutrition tips, GLP-1 protein intake, and your GLP-1 results timeline so you stay on track.