If you’re just starting out with GLP-1 medications, you might be experiencing some digestive side effects while your system is adjusting to your new routine. Side effects may include nausea, constipation, and stomach discomfort from bloating. 

Most side effects are common but learning more about why they happen can help you learn how to manage them. For example, bloating can be an uncomfortable symptom but knowing what causes it can prevent it from becoming painful and disruptive to your daily life.

What is bloating and why does it happen?

Bloating is stomach pain often caused by excess intestinal gas. While gas is a natural byproduct of the digestive process, it can also be a result of ingesting air, drinking carbonated beverages, or digestive disorders like lactose intolerance or   irritable bowel syndrome. 

Intestinal gas can also be increased by certain foods. A fermentation process takes place as your gut bacteria digests carbohydrates. If there are too many carbohydrates, this excess fermentation can increase the gas that builds up. 

Why do GLP-1 medications cause bloating?

GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking the glucagon peptide-1 hormone which slows down gastric emptying and helps you feel fuller for longer. This means that food will spend more time moving through the digestive system which can increase the gut bacteria that produces gas. 

In addition to excess gas, constipation also contributes to that uncomfortable bloated feeling. Learning ways to prevent and reduce these symptoms can help avoid that backed up feeling that comes from food taking longer to digest.

How can you prevent bloating from GLP-1 side effects?

Regular exercise and drinking plenty of water are simple ways to help aid digestion, but there are a few changes you can make to your daily routine to help keep everything moving along. 

Portion control

While taking GLP-1 medications, you’ll feel less hungry and fill up faster during meals. Eating smaller portions of nutrient-dense foods can help prevent your gut from having to work so hard during digestion. This should limit gas production. 

Meal timing

Since you’ll be eating smaller portions, meals should be more frequent and on a consistent basis. Eating three small meals with healthy snacks in between can keep digestion on track while still providing the nutrients you need to fuel your body for the day. By scheduling enough time to digest in between meals, your system will be able to process the food, so you don’t feel backed up when it’s time to eat again.

Foods to avoid

Some foods may cause more gas than others, so it’s important to know which ones trigger more bloating for you. Be sure to limit your intake of:

• Fried, spicy, or acidic foods that can irritate your gut and cause indigestion.
• Foods high in sugar, fiber, or carbohydrates as they’ll cause excess fermentation.
• Carbonated beverages, which will add carbon dioxide and increase gut pressure.

When is it time to ask for help?

Side effects are a normal result of starting GLP-1 medications, and symptoms can last for a few weeks or months while your body adjusts to its new routine. However, if the discomfort you’re feeling is making it difficult to eat or perform your daily activities, be sure to reach out to your doctor for advice. 

You can also get more information in our guide for preventing and managing bowel irregularities, including bloating and constipation. The key is to pay attention to your body’s signals and adjust your eating habits as your body adjusts to the medication.