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Side effect · Wegovy

Gas on Wegovy

More gas on a GLP-1 is common, and the high-fiber, high-protein foods people add to stay healthy can be part of the reason.

Clinician review pending Updated
On Wegovy
6%
label rate
On placebo
4%
same trials
Extra vs placebo
up to 2points
attributable to the drug, roughly

Placebo-controlled weight-management trials in the Wegovy label (2.4 mg).

Gas across GLP-1 medicines

Wegovyplacebo 4%
6.0%
Zepboundplacebo 1%
4.0%
Highest rate across label doses. Different trials and populations, so compare with care.

Why it happens

When food moves slowly, gut bacteria have more time to ferment it, which makes gas. Changes in gut movement can also make you notice it more.

Beans, lentils, cruciferous vegetables, sugar alcohols and some protein powders are known gas producers, and people often eat more of them on a GLP-1 plan.

When it starts and fades

Gas tends to show up in the first weeks and after dose steps, along with other stomach effects that were mostly mild to moderate in trials.

It can also rise any time you change your diet quickly, such as adding a lot of fiber at once.

What helps

  • Add fiber-rich foods slowly over 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Try a different protein powder if one seems to trigger gas.
  • Limit sugar alcohols like sorbitol, xylitol and maltitol.
  • Eat slowly and avoid fizzy drinks.
  • Walk after meals to help gas move.

Other Wegovy side effects

Nausea44%Diarrhea30%Vomiting24%Constipation24%Stomach pain20%Headache14%Fatigue11%Heartburn and indigestion9%Dizziness8%Bloating7%Burping7%Low blood sugar6% (people with type 2 diabetes)Hair loss3%

Common questions

How common is gas on Wegovy?

In the trials behind the label, 6% of people on Wegovy reported it, vs 4% on placebo.

Is gas a side effect of Wegovy?

Yes, flatulence is listed among the label's reported reactions. It is usually mild.

What foods cause the most gas on a GLP-1?

Beans, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, onions, sugar alcohols and some protein powders are common culprits. Everyone reacts a little differently.

Will gas get better over time?

For many people it eases after the step-up phase and once fiber is increased gradually.

Sources

  1. Wegovy prescribing information (FDA label on DailyMed)
  2. STEP 1 trial publication

Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error