Wegovy Diarrhea: Causes and Relief [2026]

Understanding Wegovy and Diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the most common gastrointestinal side effects experienced by Wegovy users, affecting approximately 20-30% of patients. Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that affects how your digestive system processes food and moves waste through your body.

The medication slows gastric emptying—the rate at which your stomach empties food into the small intestine. This slowed digestion, combined with reduced food intake and changes in gut bacteria composition, can trigger diarrheal episodes. Understanding this mechanism helps you manage symptoms more effectively.

Most people experience diarrhea as a temporary side effect that improves with time, though some individuals develop persistent loose stools throughout their treatment. The severity and duration vary significantly based on individual factors including baseline digestive health, dose, and dietary choices.

Why Diarrhea Occurs on Wegovy

Several mechanisms contribute to diarrhea development when taking Wegovy. Understanding these helps you identify which management strategies will work best for your specific situation.

Altered Gut Motility

Semaglutide affects your intestinal muscles and nerves that control movement. While it slows stomach emptying, it can accelerate movement through your colon, leading to increased bowel frequency and looser stools. This is one of the primary biological mechanisms behind Wegovy-related diarrhea.

Reduced Caloric Intake

Wegovy significantly reduces appetite, often resulting in caloric intake drops of 30-50%. This dramatic reduction in food volume and nutritional content affects your gut bacteria composition and digestive efficiency. Your digestive system must adjust to processing much smaller meals.

Microbiome Changes

The reduction in food intake causes shifts in your gut microbiome—the trillions of bacteria living in your digestive tract. These bacteria help regulate bowel movements and stool consistency. Reduced dietary diversity can disrupt the bacterial balance, contributing to diarrhea and other digestive symptoms.

Dietary Composition Changes

Many Wegovy users unintentionally shift their diet toward lower-fat, higher-protein options that can be harder to digest. If you\'re not carefully managing your food choices, you may inadvertently eat foods that trigger diarrhea or increase bowel urgency.

Dietary Management Strategies

Your diet has the most significant impact on managing Wegovy-related diarrhea. Making strategic food choices can reduce symptoms dramatically without requiring medications.

Foods to Embrace

Focus on bland, easily digestible foods that are gentle on your system:

• White rice, white bread, and plain pasta
• Lean proteins: chicken breast, turkey, and white fish
• Eggs prepared simply (boiled or scrambled with minimal oil)
• Bananas and applesauce for fruit options
• Low-fat or non-fat yogurt (if tolerated)
• Crackers and dry cereals
• Well-cooked vegetables without skin (carrots, zucchini, green beans)
• Clear broths and low-sodium soups

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods commonly trigger diarrhea in Wegovy users and should be minimized or eliminated:

• High-fat foods and oils, including fried foods
• Dairy products, especially high-fat cheeses and whole milk
• Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts
• High-fiber foods including whole grains and beans
• Spicy foods and heavily seasoned meals
• Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols
• Caffeine and alcohol
• Fatty meats and processed foods

Meal Timing and Frequency

Eating small, frequent meals is more effective than eating fewer large meals. Aim for 4-5 small meals throughout the day rather than three standard meals. This approach reduces the burden on your digestive system and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Eat slowly and chew thoroughly—this simple practice significantly improves digestion. Allow 20-30 minutes per meal when possible, as rushed eating can exacerbate digestive symptoms.

Hydration and Electrolyte Management

Diarrhea causes rapid fluid and electrolyte loss, making hydration management critical. Dehydration can actually worsen diarrhea and cause serious health complications if left unchecked.

Daily Hydration Goals

Most Wegovy users with diarrhea should aim for 10-12 glasses (80-96 ounces) of fluid daily, though individual needs vary. Monitor your urine color as a hydration indicator—pale yellow or clear urine suggests adequate hydration, while dark yellow or amber suggests dehydration.

Best Fluids for Rehydration

Plain water is important, but electrolyte replacement is equally critical. Consider these options:

• Oral rehydration solutions (Pedialyte, Prime, Liquid IV)
• Low-sodium broths and soups
• Coconut water, which provides natural electrolytes
• Diluted sports drinks with added electrolytes
• Herbal teas (non-caffeinated) with a pinch of salt and sugar

Signs of Dehydration to Watch For

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Extreme thirst or dry mouth
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Dark urine or lack of urination
• Fatigue or weakness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating

Over-the-Counter Remedies

Several OTC medications can effectively manage Wegovy-related diarrhea. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new medications to ensure they don\'t interact with your current treatment.

Loperamide (Imodium)

Loperamide is an anti-motility medication that reduces intestinal muscle contractions, decreasing bowel frequency. It\'s particularly effective for Wegovy-related diarrhea because it targets the underlying mechanism of accelerated gut movement.

Standard dosing is 2 mg after each loose stool, up to 8 mg daily. Most people experience relief within 30-60 minutes. Take it with meals for optimal effectiveness. However, avoid loperamide if you have bloody diarrhea or fever, as it may worsen certain infections.

Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

Bismuth subsalicylate reduces inflammation in your digestive tract and has mild antimicrobial properties. The typical dosage is 2 tablets or 30 mL of liquid every 30 minutes to 1 hour, up to 8 doses per day for 2 days maximum.

This medication is generally well-tolerated and can be particularly helpful if diarrhea is accompanied by stomach upset. Note that it can cause black stools, which is harmless. Avoid if you\'re allergic to aspirin or have certain bleeding disorders.

Psyllium Husk (Metamucil)

Paradoxically, adding soluble fiber through psyllium husk can help regulate bowel movements and reduce diarrhea. However, start with very small doses (1 teaspoon daily) and gradually increase, as increasing fiber too quickly can worsen symptoms. Always take with plenty of water.

Probiotics

Probiotics help restore healthy gut bacteria balance disrupted by reduced food intake. Look for multi-strain formulas containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. Consistency matters—take daily for at least 4-8 weeks to see benefits. Quality varies significantly between brands, so choose reputable manufacturers.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most Wegovy-related diarrhea is manageable at home, certain symptoms require immediate medical evaluation. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 2 weeks without improvement
• Bloody or black stools
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• High fever (above 102°F or 39°C)
• Signs of severe dehydration despite hydration efforts
• Weight loss exceeding 5 pounds in a week
• Persistent diarrhea affecting your quality of life despite management strategies

Your doctor may recommend dose adjustments, additional medications, or further evaluation to rule out other causes of diarrhea. Some individuals benefit from temporarily pausing Wegovy treatment to allow their digestive system to stabilize.

Long-Term Management Strategies

If you\'re continuing Wegovy long-term despite diarrhea, developing sustainable management strategies is essential for maintaining quality of life.

Tracking and Identifying Triggers

Keep a detailed food and symptom diary for 2-3 weeks. Record everything you eat, your bowel movements, and any symptoms. Look for patterns—you may notice that certain foods consistently trigger diarrhea while others are well-tolerated. This personalized information is far more valuable than generic dietary advice.

Regular Healthcare Check-ins

Schedule monthly appointments with your prescribing doctor to discuss digestive symptoms and overall treatment satisfaction. They can monitor your nutritional status, check for electrolyte imbalances, and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Stress Management

Stress and anxiety significantly impact digestive function. Implement stress-reduction techniques including meditation, deep breathing, gentle exercise like walking, and adequate sleep. Even 10 minutes of daily stress management can improve GI symptoms.

Related Guides and Resources

For more information about managing side effects while taking Wegovy and related medications:

• Complete Guide to Wegovy Side Effects
• Wegovy Constipation: Causes and Solutions
• Ozempic Diarrhea: Management Strategies