Clinically reviewed: Wed 31 July
Common side effects can occur for 1 in 3 people taking weight loss medications and these should subside as your treatment continues and your body adjusts to the medication. You may also find some temporarily return when you increase your dose - this is normal and should settle as your body adapts to the increased dose.
We know mild side effects can still be frustrating, but there are a few things you can do to minimise the impact of them.
Inject your weight loss medication at the same time and day each week, so your body has a regular interval between each dose. Make sure to use a fresh needle each week and follow all the preparation steps to maintain good hygiene.
It’s important to stay hydrated - especially during warmer weather. If you’re experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea, sip water and other clear liquids. Avoid coffee and other caffeinated or overly sweetened drinks.
Eat smaller meals more regularly and avoid anything that smells or tastes too strong. This can help with feeling sick or nauseous.
If you’re struggling with constipation, increase your fibre intake, keep hydrated and try eating small fruits such as prunes, figs or grapes. Regular activity, such as going on short walks or swimming can also help.
Manage headaches by spending time in a quiet space, use over-the-counter pain relief medicine like paracetamol, drink plenty of water, and try relaxation techniques such as meditation.
Remember, if you experience any of the rarer side effects associated with your weight loss medication, you should stop the injections immediately and seek medical help.
Common side effects not easing off?
If you’ve recently increased your dose and are experiencing persistent common side effects that aren’t easing off, it may be that your body is not able to tolerate the higher dose. An option is to drop back to the lower dose you know your body can tolerate and continue your treatment.
If you’re on the lowest dose of your selected weight loss medication and are continuing to experience common side effects, it may be that it's not a suitable treatment for you. You should consider stopping treatment and switching to an alternative.
Read more
Explore the full list of possible side effects in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication.