GLP-1 weight loss drugs – with names like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda – have taken center stage in the conversation about medical weight loss. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, these medications work by mimicking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar, appetite, and digestion.

By binding to GLP-1 receptors, these drugs not only stimulate insulin release and suppress glucagon, but they also slow gastric emptying, helping you feel fuller for longer and naturally reducing food intake. While their benefits for weight management are significant, they are not without side effects – especially when it comes to digestion, muscle mass, bone health, skin health, and nutrient absorption.

Which is exactly why we created this guide to serve as a medically informed approach to managing the side effects of weight loss medicines – so you can optimize results while safeguarding your overall well-being.

Understanding the GI side effects and what you can do

Because GLP-1 medications slow the rate at which food leaves the stomach, gastrointestinal (GI) issues are the most frequent side effects. These may include:

  • Nausea
  • Bloating and gas
  • Belching
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Acid reflux
  • Reduced appetite to the point of nutrient gaps

Pro tip: These effects often improve as your body adjusts, but proactive strategies can make a dramatic difference in comfort and tolerance.

Looking for ways to help manage digestive side effects of weight loss medicines? One way is to try adjusting your eating habits with these tips:

  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce feelings of heaviness or discomfort.
  • Avoid eating right before bed to limit reflux and nausea.
  • Cut back on high-fat or greasy meals, which take longer to digest when gastric emptying is slowed.
  • Limit alcohol – its effects can be intensified, and it adds empty calories.
  • Minimize ultra-processed foods that can worsen bloating and sluggish digestion.
  • Track trigger foods – some people find acidic foods, excess sugar, or certain spices exacerbate symptoms.

You may also consider targeted supplements:

  • Nausea, belching, gas, and bloating. Supporting digestive prowess helps process the food that stays longer in your stomach and causes issues. Thorne’s Pancreatic Enzymes can help digest a meal, particularly when it’s high in fats.* 

Note: Use caution with products containing betaine/HCl. Although this ingredient is great for supporting digestion, it can cause irritation by remaining in the stomach longer than normal. 

  • Bowel changes. Depending on your microbiome and the normal tendencies of your digestive system, you might experience constipation and/or diarrhea from assisted weight loss medications. Taking a daily probiotic, like Thorne’s FloraMend Prime Probiotic®, can help regulate digestion while supporting healthy weight loss. You also can consider adding FiberMend® to promote bowel regularity, but would likely need to start at a low amount and work up gradually. Or you can try Complete Biotic – containing a non-fiber prebiotic, a probiotic, and a postbiotic. If constipation is a problem, then consider adding a magnesium product, such as Thorne’s Magnesium CitraMate, to promote regular bowel movements.* 
  • Reflux. Reflux can accompany delayed gastric emptying. While avoiding overeating or eating too close to bedtime can help with reflux, you still might experience lingering irritation. Thorne’s GI Relief soothes irritated tissues and eases digestive discomfort.* 

Supporting skin health during rapid weight loss

While losing weight can boost confidence, some GLP-1 users notice changes in skin firmness and facial fullness – often referred to as “Ozempic face.”

Here are some strategies to support skin elasticity:

Preserving lean muscle mass on weight loss medication

GLP-1 weight loss drugs curb appetite, which can unintentionally reduce protein intake and lead to muscle loss.

To help your body maintain muscle mass, follow these nutrition tips and exercise recommendations:

  • Aim for 0.5-0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily.
  • Incorporate lean meats, eggs, legumes, nuts, and dairy.
  • Pair plant proteins (beans + whole grains) for a complete amino acid profile.
  • Try Whey Protein Isolate to meet protein goals. Or if you follow a vegan diet, then Amino Complex is a Thorne vegan-verified nutritional supplement that contains all of the essential amino acids. It’s high in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including leucine, to support the growth of lean muscle mass.*
  • Add Creatine for strength and lean mass retention.*
  • If you are seeking support for maintaining lean muscle mass with a capsule rather than a powder, consider NiaCel 400®, a nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplement that enhances cellular energy production and helps preserve lean body mass.*
  • Include resistance training 2-3 times per week to maintain muscle.
  • Add endurance activities (walking, cycling, swimming) for cardiovascular health.

Protecting bone health during weight loss 

Bone mineral density can also decrease during a weight loss program. In addition to adequate protein and regular exercise, certain nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy bones, including:

Filling nutrient gaps with smart supplementation

Coupled with a decreased appetite and fewer cravings for food, those 5-9 recommended servings of fruits and vegetables per day can begin to feel out of reach. Supplementation helps you bridge nutritional gaps in both micronutrients – vitamins and minerals – and macronutrients, such as protein and healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids. 

  • Basic Nutrients 2/Day is a daily multi-vitamin/mineral supplement that provides comprehensive nutritional support with fewer capsules – only two per day. 
  • Super EPA provides essential omega-3 fatty acids – EPA and DHA – that support a healthy heart and brain, enhance mood, help maintain a healthy inflammatory response in muscles and joints, and promote healthy skin.* 
  • For a combination multi-vitamin/mineral and protein option, consider Thorne’s MediClear-SGS. This pea- and rice-protein powder is fortified with a complete multi-vitamin/mineral complex, antioxidants, and liver-supportive botanicals and is available in chocolate and vanilla flavors.*

Putting it all together

To help sort through the myriad recommendations in this article, we have curated several Thorne products that best cover the bases when considering the potential side effects of GLP-1 medications. Thorne’s GLP-1 Support Stack contains four products that provide support for potential GI side effects, muscle loss, mild dehydration, and nutrient gaps: Complete Biotic, Amino Complex (in your choice of lemon or berry flavors), Daily Electrolytes Variety Pack, and Basic Nutrients 2/Day, respectively. Formulated specifically for individuals on GLP-1 medications, it uniquely addresses common side effects of GLP-1 medications so that the body feels supplemented in all the right ways.  

The bottom line: A proactive approach to GLP-1 side effects 

Weight loss medicines like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound can be powerful allies in achieving a healthy weight. But long-term success depends on managing side effects – protecting digestion, preserving muscle, supporting skin, and ensuring nutrient sufficiency. 

With thoughtful adjustments to diet, lifestyle, and supplementation, you can experience the benefits of GLP-1 medications while minimizing discomfort and maintaining overall wellness. 

For more detailed information, check out Thorne’s free Wellness Guides that include a Medically Guided Weight Loss: Support Program. 

Note: Always consult your health-care professional before starting any new supplement or making significant dietary changes – especially while on prescription weight loss medication.