“Nearly all of folks will expertise some extent of gastrointestinal points with a GLP-1, particularly as we begin the remedy and improve the dose,” says Shiara Ortiz-Pujols, MD, MPH, a weight administration doctor at Northwell Well being Doctor Companions Surgical procedure in Staten Island, New York.
Most of the unintended effects listed under can occur to anybody, however some folks — akin to these with underlying gastric motility issues or gastroparesis — may be extra in danger for them than others, says Kristin Criner, MD, an endocrinologist and affiliate professor of scientific drugs on the Lewis Katz College of Drugs at Temple College in Philadelphia.
Should you’re beginning a GLP-1, right here’s how you can acknowledge (and hopefully decrease) the most typical unintended effects.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea sometimes happens inside 24 to 48 hours, says Dr. Ortiz-Pujols. Often, it’s gentle, however extreme nausea and vomiting can result in dehydration or — not often — acute kidney damage or gastrointestinal obstruction, says Dr. Criner.
You might also discover that sure meals usually tend to set off nausea than others. Some widespread offenders embrace greasy, high-fat, processed, and spicy meals, in addition to alcohol and carbonated drinks, says Ortiz-Pujols. If that’s the case, you could need to restrict them in your weight loss plan. A nutritionist might help you establish which meals to keep away from.
Constipation and Diarrhea
Each slowness within the intestine and an pressing must go are widespread unintended effects, says Ortiz-Pujols. “Initially, you may really feel that your bowel actions are slowing down in frequency. And as we go up in dose, that usually turns into extra pronounced,” she says.
Generally, constipation also can shift to pressing diarrhea, says Ortiz-Pujols. Should you get diarrhea, attempt limiting your consumption of greasy and extra processed meals, she says. You must also be sure you’re ingesting loads of fluids, which might help push back each diarrhea and constipation.
Dehydration
Dehydration may be brought on by diarrhea or nausea and vomiting, however you can additionally turn into dehydrated merely since you don’t really feel like it’s worthwhile to drink as a lot as traditional. “These medicines scale back urge for food not just for meals, however some folks expertise a decrease urge for food for hydration as nicely,” says Ortiz-Pujols.
Facial Getting older
Stemming, partially, from a speedy lack of fats within the face, some folks on a GLP-1 say their facial anatomy appears totally different, says Criner. Suppose: hollowed cheeks and temples, sagging pores and skin alongside the jawline and neck, sunken or darkish under-eye circles, and worsened wrinkles.
To sidestep this aspect impact, Criner recommends aiming for more-gradual weight reduction, consuming a protein-rich weight loss plan, and staying hydrated. Should you nonetheless need assistance minimizing these facial results, getting “beauty procedures like facial fillers, skin-tightening remedies, or surgical interventions can restore facial quantity and handle extra pores and skin,” she says.
Fatigue and Weak point
These emotions are widespread the primary day or two after taking a dose, however some medicines are larger culprits than others, says Ortiz-Pujols. Should you’re noticing debilitating fatigue or weak spot, speak to your physician about switching to a brand new remedy, which can assist relieve these unintended effects.
Hypoglycemia
Some folks with kind 2 diabetes also can develop low blood sugar — sometimes outlined as under 55 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 3.1 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) — whereas taking a GLP-1, particularly in the event that they’re additionally on different medicines, akin to insulin, that may additionally decrease blood sugar ranges.
Enamel Issues
Since you’re probably consuming — and probably additionally ingesting — much less whereas on a GLP-1, your mouth produces much less saliva than traditional, says Oritz-Pujols. The ensuing dry surroundings can result in cavities and gum illness.
