When starting Wegovy, some people experience side effects such as nausea and vomiting. These gastrointestinal symptoms are relatively common, especially during the first few weeks or after a dose increase. While they can be uncomfortable, there are practical ways to manage them and continue your treatment safely.
This article explains why Wegovy can cause nausea and vomiting, what to expect, and shares strategies to help ease these symptoms.
For a full list of potential side effects, see our Wegovy Side Effects Overview.
Can Wegovy cause nausea and vomiting?
Nausea and vomiting are recognised side effects of Wegovy, particularly when beginning treatment or after increasing the dose.
In the STEP 1 trial:
- 44.2% of participants on the 2.4 mg weekly dose experienced nausea
- 24.8% reported vomiting
- In the placebo group, 17.4% reported nausea and 6.6% vomiting
For most people, these symptoms are mild to moderate and temporary, usually improving after a few weeks as the body adapts. They typically appear early in treatment and become less frequent over time, usually without needing to stop the medication.
Why do nausea and vomiting occur on Wegovy?
Wegovy works by slowing the rate at which the stomach empties. This prolongs feelings of fullness, which supports weight loss, but can also lead to feelings of nausea or discomfort. Experiencing these symptoms is a normal part of adjusting to the medication and does not mean the treatment is unsafe.
Practical ways to manage nausea and vomiting
There are several strategies that can help reduce discomfort:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Try six smaller meals or snacks rather than three large meals to reduce strain on the stomach and keep blood glucose levels stable.
- Stay hydrated: Sip water, herbal teas or clear fluids throughout the day. Limit caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks. If vomiting continues, an oral rehydration solution may help. You can contact our Patient Care Team who can advise.
- Choose bland, gentle foods: Crackers, toast, rice, bananas or porridge are easier to digest. Low-fat, low-fibre options are often best during nausea.
- Avoid strong smells and flavours: Spicy, greasy or rich foods can worsen symptoms. Stick to milder meals when you feel unwell.
- Try ginger: Ginger may help ease nausea. You can use fresh ginger in meals or drink ginger tea.
- Eat slowly and stay upright: Take your time while eating and avoid lying down immediately afterwards to reduce discomfort.
- Track triggers: Keep a simple diary of what you eat and when symptoms occur to identify personal triggers.
When to seek help
If nausea or vomiting is persistent, severe, or preventing you from staying hydrated or eating enough, speak to a Morrisons Clinic pharmacist or your healthcare provider. Simple adjustments to diet, fluid intake or timing of your medication can often make a big difference.
Key points to remember
- Nausea and vomiting are common but usually mild and temporary.
- They are most frequent in the first few weeks or after a dose increase.
- Practical strategies such as smaller meals, staying hydrated, bland foods and ginger can help reduce discomfort.
If symptoms continue despite these measures, our pharmacists at Morrisons Clinic are available to provide further support.
Reference
Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., et al. (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. NEJM, 384(11), 989–1002. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
