Mild nausea is one of the most common side effects of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide.

These medications slow stomach emptying and reduce appetite, which can sometimes make you feel full, bloated, or slightly queasy — especially during the first few weeks or after a dose increase.

What may help:

• Eat smaller meals more slowly

• Avoid oily, spicy, creamy, or very heavy foods

• Stop eating once comfortably full

• Stay hydrated with small sips throughout the day

• Try bland foods (toast, crackers, soup, rice)

OTC options in Malaysia:

• Antacids such as Gaviscon

• Ginger tea or ginger sweets

• Hydralyte / ORS sachets if dehydration is contributing

Seek medical attention if:

• You cannot keep fluids down

• Persistent vomiting occurs

• Severe abdominal pain develops

• Symptoms become severe or worsening

Yes. Reduced food intake and slower digestion can commonly lead to constipation while on treatment.

What may help:

• Increase water intake

• Increase fibre gradually (fruit, vegetables, oats, psyllium husk)

• Light physical activity/walking

• Avoid delaying bowel movements

OTC options in Malaysia:

• Metamucil (psyllium husk)

• Lactulose syrup

• Movicol / Osmotic laxatives (short-term use)

Seek medical attention if:

• Severe abdominal pain occurs

• No bowel movement for several days despite treatment

• Vomiting or abdominal swelling develops

Some patients experience loose stools or diarrhoea as the body adjusts to treatment, especially early on.

What may help:

• Stay hydrated

• Avoid greasy or very rich foods

• Eat simpler meals temporarily

• Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake

OTC options in Malaysia:

• Hydralyte / Oral Rehydration Salts

• Smecta (short-term use)

• Probiotics may help some patients

Seek medical attention if:

• There is blood in stool

• Symptoms are severe or prolonged

• You feel dizzy, weak, or dehydrated

GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying, which may cause fullness, burping, bloating, or reflux symptoms.

What may help:

• Eat smaller portions

• Avoid lying down immediately after meals

• Avoid carbonated drinks

• Eat more slowly

OTC options in Malaysia:

• Gaviscon

• Antacids

• Simethicone-containing products for gas relief

Seek medical attention if:

• Severe abdominal pain occurs

• Persistent vomiting develops

• Symptoms suddenly become severe

Some patients notice reflux or “gastric” symptoms due to slower digestion.

What may help:

• Avoid large late-night meals

• Limit spicy/oily foods if triggering symptoms

• Avoid lying flat after eating

OTC options in Malaysia:

• Gaviscon

• Antacids

• Famotidine (speak to pharmacist/doctor)

Seek medical attention if:

• Difficulty swallowing develops

• Chest pain occurs

• Symptoms become severe or persistent

Increased burping can occur because food stays in the stomach longer while on treatment.

What may help:

• Eat slowly

• Avoid fizzy/carbonated drinks

• Avoid overeating

• Reduce very fatty meals

OTC options:

• Simethicone products

• Gaviscon if associated with reflux

This can happen due to dehydration, reduced food intake, or low blood sugar risk in certain patients (especially if on diabetes medications).

What may help:

• Hydrate consistently

• Avoid skipping meals entirely

• Stand up slowly

Seek urgent medical advice if:

• Fainting occurs

• Severe weakness develops

• Confusion or severe sweating occurs

Most mild gastrointestinal side effects improve over time. However, you should seek medical review urgently if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain

• Persistent vomiting

• Signs of dehydration

• Difficulty breathing

• Swelling of face/throat

• Chest pain

• Fainting

• Black or bloody stools