Food moves slower
The longer stool sits in your colon, the more water your body pulls out of it. That makes stool hard and dry.
Free GLP-1 care guide
Constipation on a GLP‑1? You can manage it.
GLP-1 medicines can slow down your bowels. This guide shows you why it happens, how to prevent it, and what to buy at the pharmacy if you need help.
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- It is a known side effect. You are not doing anything wrong.
- It often gets better as your body gets used to the medicine.
- Simple steps help. Most people find relief with food, water, movement and over-the-counter products.
Tiffany Bailey, PA-CDirector of Patient Education, Belle
Why it happens
Your medicine slows things down. Your gut too.
GLP-1 medicines help you feel full longer by slowing how fast food moves through you. That is part of how they work. For most people, the constipation that can come with it is a bump in the road, not a reason to stop.
You eat less
Smaller meals mean less bulk and less fiber to push things along.
You may drink less
Many people feel less thirsty on a GLP-1. Less water in your body means drier stool.
Part 1 · Prevention
Three daily habits that work as a team
The best way to deal with constipation is to stop it before it starts. Try to do all three every day.
25 g
Fiber a day
Add about 5 grams more each week until you get there. Going faster can cause gas and bloating.
64+ oz
Water a day
Eight 8-ounce cups. Sip all day. Fiber needs water, or it can make things worse.
30 min
Movement most days
A walk counts. Three 10-minute walks after meals work as well as one long one.
Build a day
Tap foods to reach 25 g
0 / 25 g
Most people start well under 25 g a day. Pick what you might eat today.
Amounts are close estimates.
Part 2 · Already backed up?
A simple plan, one step at a time
Move to the next step only if the one before it has not helped. This is a general plan. Your care team may give you one that fits you better.
Step 1 · Every day1 of 4
Keep up the basics
Fiber (work up to 25 g), 64+ ounces of water, and 30 minutes of movement. A daily fiber supplement can help if food is not enough.
Step 2 · No bowel movement in 2 to 3 days2 of 4
Add a gentle helper
Start with the gentlest option first. The guide names the gentle over-the-counter options to look for, and prunes or prune juice can help too.
Step 3 · Still stuck after 2 more days3 of 4
Add a stronger option
Some products work faster but are meant for short-term use only. The guide covers which ones, how long they take to work, and what to watch for.
Step 4 · Stool feels stuck near the end4 of 4
Try a suppository, then reach out
Suppositories work fast for stool that is stuck near the end. If nothing works, message your Belle care team.
The guide also shows you how to read the Drug Facts label, so you can shop by active ingredient and buy the store brand. Get the guide
Part 3 · When to get help
Know when to reach out
Most constipation can be handled at home. Some signs mean you need help from a clinician. Do not stop your GLP-1 on your own.
Message your care team if
- No bowel movement in 4 or more days, even after trying the steps in the guide
- You have needed a laxative for more than 1 week
- A small amount of bright red blood on the toilet paper
- Constipation is making it hard to eat, drink or take your medicine
Call 911 or go to the ER if you have
- Severe belly pain that does not go away, which may spread to your back
- A swollen, hard belly and you cannot pass gas
- Vomiting and you cannot keep food or water down
- Black, tarry stool or a lot of blood in your stool
- Fever with belly pain
These can be signs of a blockage or another serious problem. Do not take a laxative. Get care right away, and do not wait for a chat response.
“It is a known side effect. You are not doing anything wrong. For most people it is a bump in the road, not a reason to stop.”
When you are ready
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Thinking about a GLP-1, or want care that answers when side effects come up? Start your online visit in a few minutes. A licensed provider reviews it and decides what is right for you.
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Safety
Please read before you start.
Important safety informationRead the full important safety information
Compounded medications are not FDA-evaluated for safety or effectiveness. GLP-1 medications are not recommended for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Not suitable for type 1 diabetes. Results may vary. All prescriptions are issued by licensed healthcare providers. Belle Health is not a pharmacy. This information is not medical advice.