When patients come to me asking about Wegovy (semaglutide), the conversation usually revolves around weight loss results, dosing schedules, and common side effects. Many patients now ask me, “Can Wegovy cause Diarrhea?”. Digestive issues aren’t unusual with Wegovy. Most of the time, once patients understand why their stomach feels off and try a few simple changes, they start to feel better as their body adjusts.
Why Wegovy Can Affect Digestion
Wegovy acts like a hormone your body already makes, called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1). It helps control appetite, slows how quickly food leaves your stomach, and steadies blood sugar. These effects are useful for weight loss, but they can also upset the digestive system, especially early on. As a result, some patients report gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, constipation, bloating, and diarrhea.
In the first few weeks of treatment, diarrhea is something I see fairly often. The body is still getting used to the medication, and even at the lower starting dose, like Wegovy 0.5 milligrams, patients can feel some stomach upset. That early adjustment period is usually when most of the digestive discomfort shows up.
How Common is Wegovy Diarrhea?
As for how common Wegovy diarrhea really is, the numbers are significant, but most patients notice it settles down. Once the body adapts, the episodes usually ease up or stop altogether. Many of my patients tell me that after those first few weeks, they hardly deal with it anymore.
That being said, not everyone’s stomach settles quickly. A few patients keep dealing with loose stools or notice extra bloating (Wegovy bloating), sometimes along with cramping. When that happens, I usually keep a closer eye on things and ask them to check in, just to be sure the medication is still working well for them.
Managing Wegovy Diarrhea
If diarrhea shows up while you’re on Wegovy, there are a few simple things that usually make it easier to handle.
First, keep your fluids up. Even mild diarrhea can dry you out faster than you think, so water should be your go-to. If the episodes are heavier, something with electrolytes can help replace what you’re losing.
Food choices matter too. Greasy or spicy meals tend to make things worse, so I usually suggest lighter options until your stomach calms down. The old BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is gentle and often works well.
Portion size makes a difference. Because Wegovy slows digestion, big meals can overload the stomach. Smaller, more frequent portions are easier to tolerate.
It’s also worth cutting back on caffeine and alcohol if you notice they make your stomach act up. Both can irritate the gut and prolong diarrhea.
And finally, don’t try to power through on your own if it’s getting to be too much. If diarrhea is frequent, paired with bloating or cramping, or just not improving, that’s when I ask patients to check in. Sometimes adjusting how quickly we move up in dosage helps the body settle in more smoothly.
When to Be Concerned
Most of the time, the diarrhea with Wegovy is annoying but not dangerous. What I tell patients to watch for are signs that it’s going beyond the usual — things like getting really dehydrated, seeing blood in the stool, or having symptoms that just don’t ease up after a few weeks. If any of that happens, it’s a good reason to call me so we can look at whether the dose needs adjusting or if something else is going on.
Key Takeaway on the question: Can Wegovy Cause Diarrhea?
Stomach issues are probably the most common hurdle when starting Wegovy. Diarrhea, bloating, and discomfort can be frustrating, but for most people, they do settle down as the body adjusts. If you’re on Wegovy 0.5 or a higher dose and the problems keep getting in the way, that’s the time to reach out so we can talk through the options and make sure the treatment is still a good fit for you.
With careful management, most patients are able to continue treatment successfully and achieve the weight loss results they are looking for.
