Wegovy works partly by slowing digestion and helping you feel fuller for longer. Because of that, it is common to experience digestive symptoms when you first begin treatment or when your dose increases (1, 2). For many members, symptoms improve within a couple of weeks. Small changes to what, when and how you eat and drink can make a big difference.
With your CheqUp membership, you have unlimited access to a dedicated Health Coach, as well as direct access to a Clinician who can support you with your specific symptoms.
Here is what to try, what to look out for, and when to get in touch or seek urgent care.
Nausea on Wegovy
Nausea is one of the most common Wegovy side effects. It is often more noticeable when you start Wegovy or step up a dose, and for many people it improves within one to two weeks (1, 2, 3).
Top tips for managing nausea
- Eat smaller meals more often, rather than large portions, so you do not overwhelm your stomach
- Choose blander, lower-fat foods and avoid fried, rich, or spicy meals
- Sip water little and often, ginger or mint tea may also help settle your stomach
- Stay upright for 30 minutes after eating
- Reduce alcohol, as it can worsen nausea and contribute to dehydration
- Try fresh air or a gentle walk, this can help ease symptoms and support your daily movement
- Consider the timing of your dose, some people feel less nauseous when taking Wegovy in the evening
When to seek help
If nausea persists and is stopping you from eating, contact your Clinician via My Account so we can support you. If nausea is severe, comes with repeated vomiting, or you notice signs of dehydration, seek urgent medical advice.
Vomiting on Wegovy
Vomiting can happen for similar reasons to nausea (4). It is more likely early on, after a dose increase, or after a heavier meal than usual.
Top tips for managing vomiting
- Focus on hydration first, take small sips of water and consider electrolytes if you are losing fluids
- When food feels possible, eat little and often
- Choose plain foods such as toast, crackers, rice, bananas, and yoghurt
- Chew slowly and pause between bites so you can notice when you feel full
- Consider adjusting the timing of your Wegovy dose, some people find evening dosing easier on their stomach
- Make sure your Clinician knows about all medications you take, including anything prescribed elsewhere, so we can check for interactions
- Your Clinician can advise on suitable anti-sickness medication if needed
When to seek help
If vomiting is persistent for 24 to 48 hours or you cannot keep fluids down, contact your Clinician as soon as you can. Stop Wegovy and seek immediate medical attention if you have signs of dehydration such as confusion, very dark urine, extreme fatigue, severe symptoms or any blood in vomit.
Diarrhoea on Wegovy
Diarrhoea is also a common Wegovy side effect (4). It can happen as your digestive system adjusts, particularly when you first start Wegovy or after a dose increase. Diarrhoea can also have other causes, such as a viral infection, food poisoning, food intolerances, IBS or other medications.
Top tips for managing diarrhoea
- Sip water little and often throughout the day, and consider electrolytes if needed
- Keep meals simple with minimal seasoning while symptoms settle
- Eat smaller amounts more often
- Increase fibre gradually, too much too soon can make symptoms worse
- Limit alcohol until your symptoms have settled, as it can worsen diarrhoea and increase dehydration risk
- Keep a short food and symptom diary to spot patterns
- Over-the-counter options such as loperamide may help in the short term, follow the label guidance and avoid if you have a fever or blood in your stool
When to seek help
If diarrhoea is not improving with these steps, contact your Clinician via My Account for advice. Stop Wegovy and seek medical attention if you have signs of dehydration, severe abdominal pain, fever, or blood in your stool.
A quick note on support
Side effects can feel worrying, especially when you are just getting started or moving up a dose. Our Clinicians are here to help if you need further advice. Every conversation is completely confidential, and support is included at no extra cost with your CheqUp membership.
Not started Wegovy yet?
If you are ready to take the first step, our two-minute medical questionnaire is a simple way to check whether Wegovy could be suitable for you. It is confidential and designed to help you understand your options before you begin.
References
- Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021 Mar 18;384(11):989-1002.
- Kushner RF, Calanna S, Davies M, Dicker D, Garvey WT, Goldman B, et al. Semaglutide 2.4 mg for the treatment of obesity: key elements of the STEP trials 1 to 5. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2020 Jun;28(6):1050-61.
- Garvey WT, Batterham RL, Bhatta M, Buscemi S, Christensen LN, Frias JP, et al. Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nat Med. 2022 Oct;28(10):2083-91.
- Novo Nordisk Limited. Wegovy 2.4 mg, FlexTouch solution for injection in pre-filled pen: summary of product characteristics. Leatherhead: electronic Medicines Compendium; 2025. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/13803/smpc
