Are You on a GLP-1? What to Know Before You Start

Why Research Matters

Are you on a GLP-1? Have you done your research? There are so many negative side effects associated with GLP-1’s. You should always do your research before starting a new medication. With GLP-1’s it is also important to take care of yourself.

GLP-1’s are designed to help manage blood sugar if you are on Ozempic or Mounjaro, or to help with weight loss if you are on Zepbound or Wegovy. However, there are some things you should do to help with the side effects.

Managing Common Side Effects

Some side effects are just annoying, and you can help them with the proper diet. For example, upset stomach or constipation. My stomach was so upset the day after my injection with Mounjaro for the first few injections I almost stopped taking it. I did reach out to my doctor right away and asked for something for nausea. I also made sure I did not eat anything with processed sugar or anything fried or greasy. I tried to stick to natural foods – chicken, eggs, fruit.

Why Protein and Exercise Matter

Obviously, you may not be very hungry when you start taking a GLP-1. It is important to get enough protein. It is common for people to lose muscle when taking a GLP-1 due to rapid weight loss. You want to make sure you are getting plenty of weight resistant exercise and eating a high protein diet to support your muscle growth. Your muscles are one thing you want to make sure you are taking care of when taking a GLP-1. There are some serious side effects like Rhabdomyolysis, which is a rare but serious condition where muscle tissue breaks down, leading to muscle pain, weakness, dark urine, and potentially kidney damage (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). While this is rare, it shows how important it is to support your muscles with exercise and the proper diet.

Watch for Constipation and Digestive Changes

Constipation is also a common side effect of GLP-1’s. Since you are not as hungry as you are used to you may not get enough fiber in your diet. This is something else you should watch for. Make sure you are getting the fiber your body needs to help keep yourself regulated. One of the more serious side effects I have heard of is bowel obstruction. This can be bad and could lead to needing surgery. This is caused by your bowels emptying too slowly and eventually becoming obstructed. Making sure to get enough water and fiber is important to help prevent bowel obstruction. Fiber cannot work without water and could actually cause more damage than good if not taken with enough water, so both are equally important.

Final Thoughts

These are some of the more common side effects. There are others that could affect you. This is why it is important to do your research and know what to look out for. Some people have told me it is stupid to take GLP-1’s because the side effects are so bad. They can be. Some side effects are irreversible. However, if you take proper care of yourself and know what to watch out for it can lower your chances of suffering from these side effects.

As always, I am not a doctor. It is important for you to do your own research and talk to your doctor to make the right decision for you and your health. But should you decide GLP-1’s are the right choice for you, take care of your body. Follow a healthy diet and get enough exercise. These things are so important to help you maintain your health and enjoy the benefits of GLP-1 medications.