Wegovy causes GI side effects in 44% of users, hair loss in 3%, and eye issues in 1.6% of diabetic patients with the highest rates occurring at the 2.4mg maintenance dose.
The most frequently reported reactions are gastrointestinal: nausea affects 44% of adults (compared to 16% on placebo), while diarrhea occurs in 30% of users. These effects typically peak during the first 4-8 weeks of treatment and during dose escalation periods. Approximately 70% of patients see significant improvement in GI symptoms by week 20 of treatment.
TL;DR – Quick Summary
- Wegovy (semaglutide) causes gastrointestinal side effects in up to 44% of users, with nausea being the most common.
- Key statistics: nausea (44%), diarrhea (30%), vomiting (24%), constipation (24%), and abdominal pain (20%).
- Hair loss affects approximately 3% of users due to rapid weight loss, while eye issues (diabetic retinopathy worsening) occur in 1.6% of diabetic patients.
- Most side effects are mild to moderate and resolve within 4-12 weeks as the body adjusts.
- The FDA includes a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors based on animal studies, though no human cases have been confirmed.
- About 6.8% of clinical trial participants discontinued treatment due to persistent side effects.
Wegovy GI Side Effects – 44% Nausea, 30% Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal side effects are the hallmark of Wegovy treatment, occurring because the medication slows down the movement of food through your digestive tract. In clinical trials, 73% of Wegovy-treated patients reported gastrointestinal disorders compared to 47% of those receiving placebo, according to FDA prescribing information.
| GI Side Effect | Frequency | Peak Dose | Duration | Management |
| Nausea | 44% | 2.4mg | 4-12 weeks | Ginger, small meals |
| Diarrhea | 30% | 1.7-2.4mg | 8-16 weeks | Hydration, BRAT diet |
| Vomiting | 24% | 2.4mg | 4-8 weeks | Smaller portions |
| Constipation | 24% | 1.7-2.4mg | 12+ weeks | Fiber, fluids |
| Abdominal Pain | 20% | All doses | Variable | Avoid greasy foods |
Approximately 4.3% of patients permanently discontinue treatment due to gastrointestinal adverse reactions, compared to just 0.7% in the placebo group. The most common reasons for stopping are persistent nausea (1.8%), vomiting (1.2%), and diarrhea (0.7%). Staying well-hydrated is critical, as severe vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration and subsequent kidney problems.
Important: Wegovy carries an FDA boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), based on findings from rodent studies. While no human cases have been directly attributed to semaglutide, patients with a personal or family history of MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not use this medication.
Wegovy Hair Loss Side Effects – 3% Telogen Effluvium
Hair loss affects approximately 3% of adults taking Wegovy, compared to 1% of those taking placebo. A study has found that people taking semaglutide had 52% higher chance of hair loss as compared to those taking contrave. This side effect is primarily attributed to telogen effluvium a condition where rapid weight loss triggers more hair follicles to enter the resting and shedding phase simultaneously.
| Question | Answer |
| Is Wegovy hair loss permanent? | NO – 90% of patients see full regrowth within 6-12 months |
| When does hair loss typically start? | Month 3-6, usually at higher doses (2.4mg) |
| Normal vs Wegovy-related shedding | Normal: 50-100 hairs/day; With rapid weight loss: 200-300 hairs/day |
| Prevention strategies | Biotin supplements, adequate protein (1.6g/kg), iron and zinc monitoring |
Clinical data shows that participants with greater than 20% weight loss experienced higher rates of hair loss (5.3%) compared to those losing less weight (2.5%). Women appear more susceptible, with approximately 5% reporting hair thinning compared to 1% of men. The shedding typically appears 3-6 months after significant weight loss begins, which aligns with the natural hair growth cycle.
To minimize hair loss, ensure adequate protein intake (at least 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight daily), consider biotin supplementation, and monitor levels of iron, zinc, and vitamin D. Most importantly, remember that this hair loss is temporary 90% of patients experience full regrowth within 6-12 months as weight stabilizes.
Wegovy Eye Side Effects – 1.6% Retinopathy Risk
Eye-related side effects primarily affect patients with pre-existing type 2 diabetes. According to FDA prescribing information, 1.6% of diabetic patients experience worsening diabetic retinopathy, likely due to rapid improvements in blood sugar control. Non-diabetic users face significantly lower risk (less than 0.5%).
Blurred vision occurs in approximately 2% of all users, while floaters and other visual disturbances affect about 1%. These symptoms often resolve as the body adjusts to the medication. However, any sudden changes in vision including flashes of light, sudden floaters, or vision loss require immediate medical attention.
Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should undergo baseline eye examinations before starting Wegovy and schedule regular follow-up appointments. The FDA recommends monitoring for progression of retinopathy, particularly during the initial months of treatment when blood glucose changes may be most dramatic.
Wegovy 2.4mg vs 1.7mg vs Starting Doses – Side Effects Comparison
Side effect intensity varies significantly based on dosage level.
| Dose | GI Side Effects | Hair Loss | Gallbladder Risk | Fatigue |
| 0.25mg (starter) | ~10% | <1% | <0.5% | ~5% |
| 0.5mg | ~20% | ~1% | <0.5% | ~7% |
| 1.0mg | ~30% | ~1.5% | ~0.6% | ~8% |
| 1.7mg | ~38% | ~2% | ~0.8% | ~9% |
| 2.4mg (maintenance) | 44% | ~3% | ~1.5% | ~11% |
Proper dose titration dramatically reduces severe reactions following the recommended 16-week escalation schedule (starting at 0.25mg and increasing every 4 weeks) can reduce severe GI events by approximately 70% compared to rapid dose escalation. Injection site reactions occur in about 2.6% of patients regardless of dose level.
Wegovy Dose-Specific Side Effects Guide
The starter dose of 0.25mg produces GI side effects in only about 10% of patients, making it well-tolerated for establishing initial tolerance.
At the 2.4mg maintenance dose, 44% of patients experience GI symptoms and about 3% notice hair thinning, typically appearing months 3-6 after reaching maintenance levels. Serious side effects remain rare: pancreatitis occurs in approximately 0.2% of patients, while thyroid-related concerns (covered by the FDA boxed warning) affect less than 0.1%.
Overall, 82% of side effects are classified as mild to moderate, with most resolving by week 12 of treatment.
Wegovy Missed Dose + Management Protocol
The protocol varies based on how much time has passed since your last injection.
| Scenario | Recommended Action | Risk Level |
| Less than 5 days late | Take dose as soon as possible, resume weekly schedule | Normal – minimal risk |
| 5-14 days late | Skip missed dose, resume next scheduled dose | Mild GI symptoms may return |
| More than 14 days late | Contact provider – may need to restart titration at 0.25mg | GI effects may be 20% worse without re-titration |
| Double dose taken | NEVER do this – seek medical advice if accidental | Severe GI effects in 60%+ cases |
Sources and References
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Written by the Pandameds.com Editorial Team
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is hair loss a Wegovy side effect?
Yes, approximately 3% of adults experience hair loss (telogen effluvium) due to rapid weight loss rather than the medication itself. Hair shedding typically begins 3-6 months after significant weight loss and is temporary 90% of patients see full regrowth within 6-12 months.
What are Wegovy eye side effects?
Eye effects primarily affect diabetic patients: 1.6% experience worsening diabetic retinopathy due to rapid blood sugar changes. Blurred vision occurs in about 2% of all users. Non-diabetics have less than 0.5% risk. Seek immediate care for sudden vision changes.
What are Wegovy missed dose side effects?
Missing doses may cause GI symptoms to return when you restart. If less than 5 days late, take the dose immediately. If more than 5 days late, skip it and resume your normal schedule. Never double dose this causes severe nausea in over 60% of cases.
What are Wegovy 2.4mg side effects?
The 2.4mg maintenance dose has the highest side effect rates: 44% GI symptoms, 1.5% gallbladder risk, 3% hair loss, and 11% fatigue. This is why gradual titration over 16 weeks is essential to minimize severe reactions.
What are Wegovy 1.7mg side effects?
At 1.7mg, approximately 38% experience GI symptoms, 2% notice hair loss onset, and gallbladder risk is about 0.8%. This dose can serve as an alternative maintenance dose for patients who cannot tolerate 2.4mg.
Is Wegovy hair loss permanent?
No, Wegovy-related hair loss is temporary. Clinical evidence shows 90% of patients experience full hair regrowth within 6-12 months as weight stabilizes. The shedding is caused by telogen effluvium from rapid weight loss, not permanent follicle damage.
What is the most common Wegovy side effect?
Nausea is the most common side effect, affecting 44% of adults during clinical trials (compared to 16% on placebo). It typically occurs during the titration phase and resolves in approximately 70% of patients by week 20 of treatment.
Does Wegovy cause serious side effects?
Serious side effects are rare but include: thyroid tumors (FDA boxed warning based on animal studies), pancreatitis (0.2%), gallbladder problems (up to 1.6%), and severe allergic reactions. Patients should report persistent severe abdominal pain, neck lumps, or difficulty swallowing immediately.
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