Wegovy Constipation: 24% GI Side Effect + Relief Guide – Lasts 47 Days Average

Wegovy constipation affects 24% of users (1 in 4), peaks during the first 16 weeks of treatment, and has a median duration of 47 days caused by approximately 30% slower gut motility from the medication.

Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a natural gut hormone. This mechanism supports your weight loss journey but can cause constipation as food moves more slowly through your digestive system. Approximately 70% of users see improvement by week 16 as their body adjusts to semaglutide.

Constipation symptoms are most likely to occur or worsen during the first few weeks of Wegovy treatment or after dose increases. Higher doses correlate with increased gastrointestinal side effects.

Disclaimer: Consult your physician before starting any medication or if you experience no bowel movement for more than 2 weeks. 

TL;DR

• Wegovy constipation affects approximately 24% of adults (1 in 4), peaks during the first 16 weeks of treatment, and lasts a median of 47 days. 
• Semaglutide slows gut motility by approximately 30%, causing harder stools. 
• About 70% of users improve by week 16 as the body adapts. Higher doses (2.4mg) increase constipation risk. 
• Relief strategies include MiraLAX, 25-35g daily fiber, 2-3L water and regular walking achieving 85%+ success rates. 
• Consult your physician if constipation persists beyond 2 weeks or if you experience severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or inability to pass gas.

Wegovy Constipation Facts – 24% Clinical Trial Rate

According to FDA prescribing information, constipation is the 4th most common side effect after nausea (44%), diarrhea (30%), and vomiting (24%). Adults experience constipation at approximately 4x the rate of teens. Research indicates women over 45 may be more significantly affected. About 70% of users improve after their digestive system adapts to semaglutide’s effects on gastric motility.

Why Wegovy Causes Constipation – Gut Slowdown

Research confirms that GLP-1 receptor agonists slow gastric emptying and small intestine motility. When stool moves more slowly through the colon, the body absorbs more water, leading to harder, drier stools that are more difficult to pass. Patients may experience reduced fiber and water intake due to decreased appetite caused by Wegovy. Constipation peaks after dose increases when gut motility drops most significantly.

Constipation Timeline – When It Improves

• Onset: Week 1-4 at all doses. Many users report bowel movements becoming less frequent almost immediately.
• Peak: Week 12+ at the 2.4mg maintenance dose. Each dose increase can temporarily worsen symptoms.
• Duration: Median 47 days significantly longer than nausea (8 days) or diarrhea (3 days).
• Resolution: 70% resolve by week 16, 90% by month 6 as the body adapts to semaglutide.
• Medical evaluation needed: Persistent constipation beyond 8 weeks without improvement despite trying relief strategies.

Wegovy Constipation Relief – 7 Proven Strategies

MiraLAX is the #1 doctor recommendation gentle and safe for daily use. Magnesium oxide/citrate works overnight. Prune juice combined with psyllium husk provides natural relief. Hydration is critical dehydration worsens constipation 2.5x.

Key strategies:

• Stay hydrated with 2-3 liters daily; keep a water bottle handy
• Increase dietary fiber gradually to 25-35 grams (chia seeds, fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
• Regular physical activity even light activity like walking stimulates bowel movements
• Stool softeners like Colace (docusate) help relieve hard, dry stool
• Establish a consistent bathroom routine; avoid skipping meals
• Herbal teas and warm drinks in the morning can stimulate bowel movements naturally

Danger Signs – When Constipation Is Serious

Normal: 1-2x/week soft stool with mild discomfort.

• No bowel movement >7 days
• Severe bloating or abdominal distension
• Persistent vomiting after meals
• Blood in stool or inability to pass gas
• Severe abdominal pain

These symptoms may indicate bowel obstruction (approximately 1% risk). About 3% of patients need dose reduction. Contact your healthcare provider if constipation lasts more than two weeks or is accompanied by severe symptoms.

Wegovy vs Ozempic vs Mounjaro Constipation Rates

The higher Wegovy dose (2.4mg vs Ozempic’s 2mg max) explains its 4x higher constipation rate. Dual-action Mounjaro (tirzepatide) shows intermediate rates. All GLP-1 medications improve with identical fiber, hydration, and physical activity strategies.