Wegovy Side Effects: What You Need to Know Before Starting

When you start Wegovy, a once-weekly injectable medication for weight loss that contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Also known as semaglutide, it works by slowing digestion and reducing appetite—helping people lose weight without extreme dieting. But like all medications, it comes with side effects, and knowing what to expect can make a big difference in sticking with it.

Most people on Wegovy feel some nausea in the first few weeks. It’s not rare—it happens in over half of users—but it usually gets better as your body adjusts. Some also report vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. These aren’t signs the drug isn’t working; they’re signs your system is adapting. A lot of people manage this by eating smaller meals, avoiding greasy food, and drinking plenty of water. Fatigue and dizziness show up too, especially when you’re first starting or increasing your dose. You might feel tired more often, but that doesn’t mean you’re getting weaker—it’s your body recalibrating.

Less common but more serious risks include gallbladder problems, pancreatitis, and changes in heart rate. If you suddenly get sharp pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of your skin or eyes, or severe dizziness, you need to call your doctor right away. People with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer should avoid Wegovy entirely—it’s not safe for them. And while depression or suicidal thoughts are rare, they’ve been reported. If your mood changes suddenly, don’t ignore it. Talk to your provider. These aren’t just side effects listed in fine print—they’re real signals your body sends.

Wegovy isn’t for everyone, and it’s not a magic pill. But for many, the trade-off is worth it. The weight loss is real—people lose 15% or more of their body weight on average. And that extra weight loss often means fewer joint pains, better blood sugar control, and more energy. What you’ll find in the posts below are real experiences: how one person handled the nausea with ginger tea, how another tracked their symptoms in a journal, and what to do if you think the side effects are worse than the benefits. You’ll also see how Wegovy compares to other weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Saxenda, and what your doctor should check before you start.

GLP-1 Agonists for Weight Loss: Real Benefits and Common Side Effects
Nov, 19 2025

GLP-1 Agonists for Weight Loss: Real Benefits and Common Side Effects

GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy and Zepbound offer powerful weight loss-up to 21% of body weight-but come with side effects like nausea and high costs. Learn how they work, who they’re for, and what to expect.