Constipation on Wegovy: What's Going On and What to Log

Wegovy works on GLP-1 receptors in the body, which play a role in appetite regulation and digestion. One well-documented effect is slower gastric emptying — food moves more gradually through your stomach and intestines. While this contributes to reduced hunger and fullness after smaller meals, it also means the bowel can become sluggish, leading to constipation in some people.

This effect is most noticeable during the early stages of treatment or when the dose is increased, and it often eases as the body adjusts. According to NHS guidance on semaglutide, gastrointestinal effects including constipation are among the commonly reported side effects of this class of medicine.

Other gut-related experiences people commonly report

• Nausea and sickness on Wegovy — a closely related symptom, often linked to the same slowed digestion. Many people find nausea is most noticeable in the days immediately after an injection.
• Burping and indigestion — slower gastric emptying can mean food and gas stay in the stomach longer, leading to burping or a feeling of fullness that lingers.
• Diarrhoea at other times — some people experience constipation and looser stools at different points; see the page on diarrhoea on Wegovy for more on that pattern.
• Throwing up or vomiting — if nausea progresses further, visit the guide on Wegovy vomiting and nausea for what to note and when to seek help.

Lifestyle factors that often interact with constipation on Wegovy

Hydration matters a great deal — reduced appetite can mean people unintentionally drink less, which makes constipation worse. Staying well hydrated is something many people find helpful. Diet on Wegovy also plays a role: eating less fibre (because overall food intake has dropped) can slow the bowel further. Gentle exercise is generally well-tolerated and many people ask whether they can exercise on Wegovy — movement can support digestive regularity, though any change to your activity level is worth discussing with your prescriber if you have underlying health considerations. Drinking alcohol on Wegovy and vaping are separate topics your prescriber is best placed to advise on individually, as both can affect hydration and digestion in ways that vary by person. If you are also on Mounjaro or considering how this compares, the page on constipation on Mounjaro covers the same topic for tirzepatide users, and heartburn and reflux on Mounjaro explores a related digestive complaint.

If constipation is severe, accompanied by significant abdominal pain, or simply isn't improving, contact your healthcare professional promptly. Pancreatitis and gallbladder issues are rare but recognised concerns with GLP-1 medicines, so persistent or sharp abdominal pain should always be assessed by a clinician rather than managed at home.

One of the most useful things you can do with a recurring side effect like constipation is build a clear picture of when it happens, how long it lasts, and what seems to help or worsen it — so you can have an informed conversation with your prescriber rather than relying on memory.

The side-effect tracker in GLP Trackr is built for exactly this. Each day you can log symptoms like constipation, bloating, nausea, or burping, and the app shows you patterns over time — for example, whether symptoms cluster in the days immediately after your weekly injection, or whether they seem to ease as the week goes on. That kind of pattern is genuinely useful data to bring to a prescriber appointment.

The daily check-in also lets you log your water intake, so you can see at a glance whether hydration dips are coinciding with worse digestive days. And if you want to keep an eye on fibre as part of your diet, the food-logging tool — including an AI photo scan for quick meal capture — tracks your intake alongside calories and protein.

GLP Trackr also generates a doctor report summarising your journey, which you can share at your next appointment to support a more detailed discussion about any ongoing symptoms.

For a broader look at side effects across both GLP-1 medicines, the complete GLP-1 side effects guide covers the full picture in one place.

GLP Trackr helps you record what you're experiencing so you can discuss it with your prescriber — it is not a substitute for their advice. Always follow the guidance of your prescriber or doctor; they know your full medical history. If any symptom is severe, persistent, or worrying, seek professional advice promptly.

Start logging your symptoms and spotting your own patterns — GLP Trackr is free to try for 7 days on the App Store and Google Play.