Initially aimed at managing Type 2 diabetes, medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are now commonly recommended for weight loss. It seems like you either are taking one of these or at least know someone who is. Honestly, it feels almost impossible to scroll through social media without stumbling upon discussions about them.
While many people have found these medications transformative, they can also usher in a range of side effects. Recently, we’ve collected firsthand accounts from users. It’s been insightful, to say the least. Therefore, we asked for even more experiences and, unsurprisingly, people were eager to share. Below are 24 things individuals wish they had known before starting their journeys with GLP-1 medications:
1. “The only strange side effect is that most potatoes now taste rotten to me. Baked, mashed, even French fries — they’re all unappetizing. The only thing I can still enjoy are Waffle House hashbrowns and tater tots. I really miss potatoes.”
2. “I’ve been on Zepbound for 1.5 years and lost 100 pounds, but I didn’t foresee the hair loss that came with it. Not patches of baldness, but definitely a marked decrease in hair density.”
—Anonymous, 42, F, MD
3. “I’m quite rare in that I’m highly allergic to GLP-1s! I was fine on a low dose for a few months, but when I increased the dosage, I became severely fatigued, eventually sleeping almost the entire day. It turned out that my liver was beginning to fail due to the medication. It took months to regain my health after stopping it. I’d love to benefit from GLP-1s for weight loss, but now I’m reliant on the traditional methods!”
—Anonymous, 36, F, USA
4. “After being on semaglutide for a year, I had awful diarrhea and vomiting, losing just about 9 pounds. With tirzepetide for around 7 months, I managed a mere 10 pounds. The gastrointestinal issues were fewer, but I still dealt with inflammation at the injection site. The most frustrating part is not experiencing the same results as others who’ve mentioned losing 40-50 pounds. I don’t know if it’s because my calorie intake was low to start, but it’s disheartening to hear others express such significant weight loss when my scale barely budges.”
5. “Drink plenty of WATER while using these medications! I suffered from severe constipation (my own fault for not reading instructions), but after a friend’s advice to hydrate better, I completely understood. Fiber is also your friend.”
—Anonymous, 54, F, Sweden
6. “I was on Saxenda and ended up with diverticulitis. Antibiotics cured it, but then I switched to Wegovy for 9 months without losing any weight. Finally, I tried Zepbound. It severely affected my vision, and I had to endure retina surgery. My doctor told me I’d never regain full vision, plus I lost only 7 pounds. These medications certainly come with risks.”
—Anonymous, 63, F
7. “I wasn’t informed that you shouldn’t take Ozempic if you have diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular edema, both of which can lead to blindness. Ozempic exacerbates these conditions. After stopping Ozempic over two years ago, I still have residual issues, although my vision did improve about 8 months later. I didn’t see any weight loss, nor did my lab results change. The only method that helped was bariatric surgery.”
8. “If you’re on GLP-1s, it’s crucial to consider some form of laxative for bowel regulation! You’ll thank me later, especially if you’ve faced severe constipation.” —Anonymous, 55, F, Atlanta, GA
9. “After trying multiple GLP-1s for two years, I only lost about 35 pounds. With several conditions like PMOS, pelvic floor dysfunction, and thyroid disease, weight loss was a struggle. I was prescribed the medication, but it made me vomit uncontrollably, to the point of causing bruises from the effort.”
10. “I went on Ozempic for diabetes management and developed gastroparesis. I was constantly nauseous, had daily vomiting, and liquid diarrhea. I dropped two pant sizes in a short span, but I was malnourished, despite being classified as obese. Healthy foods made me sick, while unhealthy options like bread were much easier to digest. Tests confirmed my gastroparesis diagnosis.”
11. “I was on GLP-1s under my doctor’s insistence, against my better judgment. I took Victoza but ran out after two months as they were on backorder. While it curbed my appetite, it led to severe, long-term gastro issues. Even after three years, I can hardly eat without discomfort and feel constantly full. Even fasting didn’t help, and now I encounter hypoglycemic episodes as I’m not eating. Ironically, my endocrinologist recommended another GLP-1 to address my low blood sugar!”
—Anonymous, 33, F, USA
12. “Started with Trulicity, which triggered stomach problems. Switched to Ozempic, where the issues sorted themselves out, but then I started burping constantly. Now that I’m on Zepbound, the burping has only intensified. While it’s kind of annoying for my husband, the weight loss has been worth it — around 50 pounds down this past year!”
13. “For the first time, my mind is calm without food-induced anxiety. No compulsions. I’m also more organized. After three months on Ozempic for chronic pain, I’ve lost 35 pounds. I do experience severe dehydration and muscle cramps, but it’s been life-changing! I used to feel ashamed of taking meds, but I don’t anymore. It’s about my health and happiness now.”
—Anonymous, 38, F, Canada
14. “After naturally losing 18 pounds, I began Zepbound, and the weight just kept dropping. However, the first few weeks were tough due to nausea, and my ADHD meds seemed ineffective during this phase. Changing the injection site helped, and I’m now down 40 pounds in 6 months! I’m contemplating therapy to address my relationship with food, fearing disordered eating once I stop the medication.”
—Anonymous, 30, F, NY
15. “The hair loss was shocking! Just four months in—33 pounds lost, yet I began shedding hair in huge amounts. Thankfully, this ceased three months after I stopped the medication. I had been warned about potential loss, but I didn’t expect it to be so severe. Plus, it made me incredibly fatigued.”
16. “I obtained my medication through an online pharmacy and, unfortunately, neglected to report my history of gallstones. This led to pancreatitis and severe gallstone complications requiring hospitalization. The pain was unbearable. Now, it’s back to losing weight the old-fashioned way with diet and exercise.”
17. “No one informed me it can wreak havoc on your nervous system. I needed my gallbladder removed after a brief microdosing period because it became inflamed and diseased. Even a modest dose led to chaos.”
—Anonymous, 43, F, Maine
