Semaglutide Constipation Relief: Effective Remedies and Expert Tips

If you’re experiencing constipation when taking semaglutide, you’re not alone!

We can all agree that semaglutide has revolutionized weight loss. However, it does come with side effects, and constipation is one that many people experience. 

While it may be tough to completely avoid this uncomfortable side effect, there are several strategies you can try to feel better. 

According to research, 24% of people taking semaglutide report experiencing constipation. Addressing it promptly can help you feel better and avoid a potential hospital visit to resolve the problem.

In my experience, most of my patients experience changes in their bowel movements when taking weight-loss medication, and in this blog I detail what I cover in my advice to them. 

How Semaglutide Causes Constipation

Slows Digestion

One of the ways semaglutide works is by slowing down digestion, which helps you feel fuller for longer. This is great for weight loss, but can easily lead to constipation. 

Inadequate Fiber Intake

As your appetite decreases, getting enough fiber can become more difficult. Or maybe you were never big on fiber in the first place or just didn’t prioritize it.

Not Drinking Enough Water

Along with changes in appetite, many people taking semaglutide might not feel thirsty and simply forget to drink water.

The Fundamentals of Constipation Relief

Let’s start with the basics and move to the big guns later. The rudimentary principles of constipation relief can also help with weight loss.

Think Fiber in Every Meal

Chances are you’re eating small amounts of food, so for good nutrition it’s important to make every meal and snack count! One nutrient that really should not be missing from any meal is fiber. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that women aim for 28 grams of fiber a day and men consume 34 grams a day. Recommendations change with age, but these are helpful guidelines for most.  

The issue for semaglutide users? Eating enough fiber might be very difficult when you have a small appetite. But you should try to eat as much as you can by adding fiber to most of your meals.

Tips to add more fiber into your diet:

• Add Fiber to Your Breakfast: Choose oatmeal, fruit, vegetables, legumes, or high-fiber bread for breakfast to boost your fiber intake from the get-go.
• Snack on Fruits and Veggies: Keep fresh fruit, like apples or berries, and cut-up veggies, like carrots or cucumbers, handy for convenient snacks that are full of fiber.
• Add Beans and Legumes to Your Diet: Incorporate beans, lentils, or chickpeas into salads, soups, or main dishes for a hearty shot of additional fiber. As your appetite might be low, consider using beans and legumes instead of carbohydrates in your meal.
• Include Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle chia seeds, flax seeds, or almonds on your yogurt, salads, or smoothies.
• Add Veggies or Fruit to Every Meal: Add more veggies to your meal by adding them to sandwiches, omelets, or stir-fry. Fruit can be great either as a dessert or chopped up in salads. 

Drink Water

Water plays a crucial role in preventing constipation. Aim to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to keep things moving smoothly. But if you live in an area with warm weather or participate in sports or other exercise, you will need to drink more. 

The best guide is to drink water until your pee is clear. 

Move More

Let’s not forget that our digestive system has muscles that contract and relax to get things going. Being physically active can help with this bothersome symptom.

Other Helpful Tips

Avoid Large Meals

Since semaglutide slows down digestion, large meals take longer to digest. Smaller meals are easier to tolerate. 

Natural Remedies for Constipation Relief

Let’s now move on to some natural remedies that can help you!

Try Prunes or Prune Juice

Prunes are a natural laxative that works like magic. Start with a small glass of prune juice and increase the amount if necessary.

Olive Oil 

Sometimes, you just need to add some lubrication to your body to help things slide a little easier. Try taking a tablespoon of olive oil or add it to your salads or cooked vegetables. 

Olive oil has been a home remedy for decades!

Warm Liquids

Warm liquids, such as tea or coffee, can help you stimulate bowel movements by increasing muscle contractions.

Fiber Supplements

Once all the basic remedies are in place, you can start thinking about getting fiber supplements if you’re still having problems with constipation. 

Tips to choose a fiber supplement:

• Know Your Fiber Types: There are two main types of fiber—soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and helps with digestion. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stool. Choose a supplement that matches your needs.
• Check the Ingredients: Look for supplements with natural ingredients. Avoid those with added sugars or artificial flavors. 
• Start Slow: If you are new to fiber supplements, start with a small dose and gradually increase it. This helps your body adjust and prevents bloating or gas. 

Check out this blog by Healthline that reviews the best supplements according to dietitians. 

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Occasionally you might need additional help; this is when over-the-counter supplements fit the bill. Keep in mind that these are intended for short-term relief only. 

• Laxatives: such as MiraLAX®, Milk of Magnesia®, or Dulcolax®
• Stool softeners: like Colace®
• Fleet Enema®

Let your healthcare provider know if you have been using these treatments for longer than a week.

When to Call Your Doctor

It’s important to mention any side effects to your prescribing healthcare provider at your regular appointments. 

Your physician or healthcare provider can adjust the dose, review other medications that might be contributing to constipation, or prescribe a medicine to give you relief. 

However, if you experience any of the following reactions or side effects, please contact your doctor or nurse practitioner.

• Severe abdominal pain
• Inability to pass stool or gas for several days
• Blood in your stool

My Expert Opinion

While semaglutide can be a powerful tool in the journey of weight loss, it’s essential to be mindful of side effects like constipation. By incorporating these strategies and remedies into your routine, you can manage constipation. 

Always keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider to ensure your overall well-being while taking semaglutide.

Let me know if you have any questions!