Wegovy and Constipation: What Patients Are Saying
For many people starting Wegovy (semaglutide), the first thing they notice is how much easier it becomes to eat less. The scale begins to move. Clothes fit differently. The appetite "food noise" finally quiets.
But there’s another, less glamorous side effect that comes up in almost every online discussion about Wegovy: constipation.
Some users experience mild slowing of digestion. Others describe going five, ten, or even fifteen days without a bowel movement. For some, it’s uncomfortable. For others, it’s painful, frightening, and a reason to consider stopping the medication altogether.
This article explores what real Wegovy users are saying about constipation, the fixes they’ve tried, when it can become dangerous, and what pharmacists recommend for prevention.
When the Gut Slows Down
One of the most common posts in Wegovy communities is the same worried question: "I haven’t gone in days… is this normal?"
"Okay yall... might be a little TMI but I have not had a BM in almost 6 days. I take Senna laxatives and stool softeners and NOTHING is working." -u/No_Growth_6864
"I hadn’t gone in over a week. Every time I ate, I thought about how much I’ve eaten that hasn’t come out yet. I felt sick by day 8." -u/kbeena
People often describe the emotional toll alongside the physical discomfort: bloating, back pain, and a constant awareness of food "going in but not coming out." Some even admit they are afraid to eat because of it.
Common Fixes People Try
Naturally, the first solutions most people turn to are over-the-counter remedies.
- Stool softeners (like Colace or Dulcolax)
- Osmotic agents (such as Miralax or magnesium citrate)
- Senna or stimulant laxatives
Some find these to be lifesavers. Others are frustrated that they stop working after a few days.
"Miralax worked wonders for me." -u/Careless_Mortgage_11
"I went 9 days without pooping after being on Wegovy. My PCP told me to take Senna-Plus with stool softener. After 2 days of that, I finally went." -u/JustPeachy1220
"Magnesium supplements have worked tremendously for me. If I don’t take it, it’s a struggle." -u/G_Daffodils
The pattern is clear: there is no single solution that works for everyone. Many users cycle through products, finding temporary relief before needing to try something else.
Food & Lifestyle Hacks
Alongside medications, many users experiment with food-based and lifestyle changes. Fruits, vegetables, and hydration are frequent suggestions.
"I saw somewhere that kiwis help, so I started my morning with some kiwi… it worked like a charm." -u/Soft-Squirrel1002
"A couple prunes every morning work great!" -u/Pattyk999
"Over the summer, I would eat lots of watermelon to get the train moving. Other high-water content fruits probably work the same magic." -u/greyjedi12345
Other tips include chia or flax seeds, oats, and cruciferous vegetables. Exercise is often mentioned - even a daily walk can help stimulate the bowel. Odd suggestions pop up too: chewing gum to stimulate digestion, or greasy food "shock tactics" to force a movement.
When Over-the-Counter Isn’t Enough
For some, constipation becomes so severe that OTC products and diet tweaks aren’t enough. These users often turn to prescribed medications.
"My gastroenterologist has me on Linzess to deal with my chronic constipation, plus a capful of Miralax in Gatorade every other day." -u/FunDescription2732
"I take Linzess if I feel constipation coming on and within 1hr I am cleaned out! It is a Rx that adds water to the colon." -u/StateGovAquPhD_DVM
Other prescriptions mentioned include Ibsrela and Lactulose. These medicines can help draw water into the stool or stimulate bowel movements when gentler methods fail.
Some people even switch medications entirely - for example, from Wegovy to Zepbound - after finding constipation unbearable.
When Constipation Becomes Dangerous
Most users agree that a few days without a bowel movement can be tolerable. But when the days stretch into double digits, fear and pain set in.
"I didn’t go for about 9 days and I started to get really scared I was going to have to go to the ER… I took magnesium citrate on day 10 and got some relief." -u/Prestigious_Kiwi_927
"I haven’t pooped in almost 2 weeks and I feel like I’m gonna explode. My back hurt, my stomach hurt really bad, it’s like constantly aching." -u/darealest23
"Constipation is insane with Wegovy… I’ve been on it for 15 months and the past 8 months it’s been too much. I’m literally scared of having a BM." -u/jaberwocky789
Emergency visits are not uncommon. Some users describe enemas, hospital-level "colon prep," or even fears of bowel obstruction.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
One lesson echoed in community threads is that constipation is easier to prevent than to fix once it sets in.
"Best thing to do is prevent constipation. Miralax every day (safe to use daily). Prevention is easier than fixing it once I’m stuck." -u/lisa0527
"A nightly cocktail of psyllium husk, magnesium powder and liquid IV plus a probiotic supplement… zero issues with constipation on Wegovy." -u/AvoToastie83
Many users describe a daily routine: plenty of water, regular fibre, light activity, and supplements. This seems to keep things moving enough to avoid crisis moments.
Why Does Wegovy Cause Constipation?
While experiences differ, the underlying reason is tied to how GLP-1 medicines work. Wegovy slows down the emptying of the stomach and digestion overall. This helps people feel fuller for longer, but it also means the bowel moves more slowly.
For some, that just means fewer, smaller bowel movements. For others - especially those prone to IBS-C or low fibre intake - it can trigger severe constipation.
Red Flags to Watch For
While most constipation is manageable, users and pharmacists stress the importance of recognising when it’s not safe to just "wait it out":
- 10+ days without a bowel movement
- Severe abdominal pain, bloating, or back pain
- Vomiting or nausea combined with constipation
- Blood in stool
- Inability to pass gas
These may indicate a blockage or impaction, which can be dangerous and requires medical attention.
Pharmacist’s Perspective
We asked Alessandro Grenci, Superintendent Pharmacist at Medino, for his take on Wegovy-related constipation:
"Constipation is one of the most common side effects of Wegovy. It’s directly linked to the way the drug slows down digestion. For most people, it can be managed with hydration, fibre, and occasional laxatives, but some will need prescription treatment."
"The key is prevention. Drink plenty of water, include fibre-rich foods daily, and stay active. Products like osmotic laxatives (for example, Miralax) or stool softeners can be safe for regular use under a pharmacist or doctor’s guidance. But stimulant laxatives should be reserved for short-term relief, not long-term management."
"If constipation lasts more than a few days despite home measures, or if it is accompanied by severe pain, bloating, or vomiting, it is important to seek medical advice promptly. Don’t ignore red flags - prevention and early treatment are far safer than waiting until the situation escalates."
Final Thoughts
Constipation on Wegovy is common, frustrating, and sometimes frightening. For some, it’s a minor inconvenience solved with fibre and water. For others, it’s a recurring battle that requires careful planning and prescription help.
What the community agrees on is this: don’t wait until you’re stuck. Staying ahead of constipation - with hydration, nutrition, and a consistent routine - makes life on Wegovy much easier.
And if constipation becomes severe, painful, or prolonged, the right step is not another home remedy, but professional medical advice.
Because weight loss should be about improving health - not trading one struggle for another.
