GLP-1 Nausea Treatments: How to Stop Feeling Sick

Nausea and GLP-1 receptor agonists (glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists) often go hand in hand. In fact, nausea is the most common side effect of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Victoza®, and Mounjaro®.

You might feel queasy when first starting a GLP-1 medication or when increasing your dose. Although symptoms usually improve as your body adjusts, it can still be uncomfortable in the meantime.

Below, we’ll cover ways to prevent nausea while on GLP-1 treatment and what to do if it strikes, including lifestyle strategies and medications that may help.

How to Prevent GLP-1 Nausea

There’s no guaranteed way to avoid nausea from GLP-1s, but you can reduce your risk with a few practical steps:

1. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Feeling overly full can trigger nausea, and GLP-1 medications make you feel full faster. To avoid this:

• Stick to smaller portions.
• Eat more frequently throughout the day.
• Include protein-rich snacks or balanced meal replacement shakes to maintain nutrition.

Pay attention to true hunger cues (like stomach rumbling) rather than eating out of stress or habit.

2. Avoid High-Fat Foods

Fatty, greasy, or heavily processed foods are common nausea triggers. Consider limiting:

• Fried foods, sausage, and baked goods
• Salty or spicy dishes
• Foods with strong odors
• Alcohol, soda, and caffeine

If unsure what’s triggering symptoms, keep a food diary to track patterns between meals and nausea.

3. Skip Vigorous Exercise or Lying Down Right After Meals

Strenuous activity or lying flat after eating may worsen nausea. Instead:

• Take light walks or do gentle stretching post-meal.
• Schedule more intense workouts before eating or wait a few hours after.
• Try to avoid going to bed immediately after dinner.

GLP-1 Nausea Treatments

If nausea develops, several strategies may help:

1. Eat Foods That Ease Nausea

Certain bland, simple foods can help calm your stomach, including:

• Plain crackers, rice, or toast
• Bananas or applesauce
• Mint tea
• Ginger tea, chews, or supplements

Ginger is especially well-studied for reducing nausea in various conditions.

2. Stay Hydrated (Strategically)

Sip water or clear fluids throughout the day. If nausea is worse around meals, try limiting fluids for 30–60 minutes before and after eating. Ice-cold water or electrolyte drinks may feel easier to tolerate.

3. Consider Anti-Nausea Medications

• Prescription options: Ondansetron (Zofran®) is sometimes prescribed off-label for nausea related to GLP-1s.
• Over-the-counter remedies: Products like Pepto-Bismol® or Dramamine® may also help.

Always talk with your healthcare provider before starting new medications.

Why Do GLP-1s Cause Nausea?

Clinical trials consistently show nausea is the most common side effect of GLP-1 medications. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but possible explanations include:

• Delayed gastric emptying: GLP-1s slow digestion to increase satiety, which can leave food sitting in the stomach longer.
• CNS effects: GLP-1s also act on the central nervous system to regulate appetite, which may contribute to nausea.
• Fullness and overeating: Eating too much, even a “normal” portion, can trigger nausea while on these medications.

In rare cases, nausea may signal pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Contact your healthcare provider right away if nausea is accompanied by:

• Vomiting
• Severe or sharp stomach pain
• Pain radiating into your back

How to Eat With GLP-1 Nausea

If nausea makes it hard to eat, try these adjustments:

• Stick with bland foods like crackers, plain toast, rice, or baked chicken.
• Avoid strong odors or distracting environments while eating.
• Focus on protein sources like fish, eggs, tofu, or Greek yogurt.
• Use meal replacement shakes or bars to fill nutritional gaps.

If symptoms persist, your provider may adjust your dose or prescribe nausea medication. Fortunately, most people find nausea improves over time as the body adapts.