GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic, Wegovy May Cause Dehydration, Experts Say

• Consultants say individuals who take GLP-1 weight reduction drugs ought to keep hydrated, significantly when temperatures are excessive.
• The mechanisms of GLP-1 medicine that assist cut back urge for food, in addition to their unintended effects, might result in dehydration.
• Dehydration may cause signs corresponding to dizziness and a dry throat, in addition to doubtlessly result in cramps and even seizures.

Dehydration could possibly be a possible facet impact of taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro.

Consultants say dehydration can simply happen as folks shed weight with GLP-1 medicine, as their starvation and thirst impulses are tamped down by these drugs.

“Dehydration is a critical threat when taking GLP-1 drugs,” Kais Rona, MD, a bariatric surgeon of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Middle at Orange Coast Medical Middle in California, instructed Healthline.

“A discount in starvation drive could also be related to a discount in thirst drive as effectively. Sufferers can develop dehydration slightly rapidly whereas taking these drugs.”

Rona and different consultants emphasize that dehydration just isn’t a direct results of taking the GLP-1 medicine.

Quite, dehydration develops due to the remedy’s mechanisms to decrease the physique’s need for meals and consequently liquids. Right here’s what you might want to learn about staying hydrated whereas taking GLP-1 medicine, significantly throughout rising temperatures.

Widespread unintended effects from GLP-1 medicine, corresponding to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, can exacerbate dehydration.

“These drugs work by reducing appetite and slowing down intestine perform, which not solely end in a discount in meals consumption, however a discount in fluid consumption as effectively,” Rona defined.

“Moreover, the commonest unintended effects related to GLP-1 drugs are gastrointestinal signs corresponding to nausea, constipation, and vomiting.” These signs, he added, might exacerbate dehydration.

“They will additionally improve the danger of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and different GI unintended effects — all of which may be made worse by dehydration.”

Jessica Crandall Snyder, a registered dietitian and a medical advisor to FuturHealth, famous the problem is much more essential in hotter climate.

“GLP-1s can intrude together with your physique’s pure starvation and thirst cues, which means you may not really feel thirsty even when your physique wants fluids,” she instructed Healthline. “They could additionally impression thermoregulation, making it more durable for the physique to chill itself successfully. In scorching climate, that might improve the danger of overheating and even heat-related sickness.”

Zhaoping Li, MD, a professor of medical medication and the chief of the Division of Scientific Vitamin on the College of California Los Angeles, mentioned GLP-1 medicine may also trigger folks to urinate extra typically. That may additionally result in dehydration. “You must watch out,” Li instructed Healthline.

Dehydration happens when the physique doesn’t adequately exchange the fluids it loses when sweating and urinating.

You may also turn into low on fluids you probably have an sickness, particularly one which causes fever.

People who find themselves extra more likely to turn into dehydrated embody:

• athletes
• older adults
• folks working in scorching climate
• infants and younger youngsters
• folks with persistent situations
• individuals who dwell at excessive altitudes

The signs of dehydration embody:

• elevated thirst
• dry mouth
• fatigue
• dizziness
• dry pores and skin
• headache

In additional critical circumstances, dehydration may cause a fast coronary heart beat and fast respiratory. Li mentioned an individual who’s dehydrated may develop low blood stress.

“As well as, as you urinate, you possibly can lose calcium, potassium, and salt,” she mentioned.

Rona mentioned there are a selection of significant illnesses that may also be produced by dehydration.

“Dehydration can lead to vital electrolyte abnormalities, which can current as obscure signs corresponding to confusion, lower in power ranges, fatigue, or muscle spasms,” he mentioned.

“Insufficient hydration may also worsen constipation, which is a standard facet impact of the remedy. Lastly, extreme dehydration can result in blood stress abnormalities in addition to kidney harm, which might generally end in everlasting kidney injury if not addressed urgently.”

On their web site, officers at Reviv Lounge, a weight reduction therapy middle in Wisconsin, focus on the significance of hydration whereas taking GLP-1 drugs.

“Water is crucial for almost each perform in your physique, nevertheless it performs a very essential position whenever you’re actively trying to lose weight,” they are saying. In addition they notice that when the physique is low on fluids, it could possibly maintain onto extreme sodium, which might trigger bloating and water retention.

Staying hydrated is vital to sustaining general well being. A 2023 study concluded that hydration may also assist with wholesome ageing.

On the whole, it’s recommended that males drink 13 cups of water per day and girls drink 9 cups of water per day.

Consultants interviewed by Healthline agreed it’s essential to remain hydrated whereas taking weight reduction drugs.

“It is vitally essential to prioritize hydration when taking a GLP-1 remedy,” mentioned Rona.

“Water with or with out pure flavors and electrolyte-based fluids are the popular sources of hydration. It is very important cut back the consumption of sugary beverages in addition to carbonated drinks, which might generally exacerbate the gastrointestinal unintended effects of the remedy,” he added.

“It’s vital to know your hydration needs and preserve observe of your consumption,” Michael Snyder famous. “This is similar as we advocate for anybody following a dietary routine, however extra so in case you are on GLP-1 drugs, since they will notably have an effect on hydration standing.”

Jessica Crandell Snyder shared some sensible recommendation for folks taking GLP-1 drugs.

“Begin with a complete plan, not simply the remedy. Keep hydrated and drink electrolyte-rich fluids if you happen to’re experiencing GI signs,” she mentioned.

“In case you are nauseated, take small, frequent sips of chilly drinks. Proceed to prioritize high protein meals and keep in shut communication together with your healthcare supplier, particularly within the early weeks or if digestive signs persist. GLP-1s are highly effective instruments, however they’re handiest when supported by way of life shifts,” she really useful.

Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy include the lively ingredient semaglutide. Ozempic and Rybelsus are used for type 2 diabetes. Whereas Ozempic is usually prescribed off-label for weight reduction, Wegovy is permitted by the FDA for weight reduction.

Mounjaro and Zepbound include the lively ingredient tirzepatide. Mounjaro has been permitted to deal with kind 2 diabetes, whereas Zepbound has been permitted by the Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight reduction.

Prior to now three years, numerous studies have lauded the load loss advantages of GLP-1 medicine. As well as, researchers have reported that GLP-1 medicine may help:

Nevertheless, these GLP-1 medicine can produce side effects. Amongst them:

• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• stomach ache
• indigestion

Li mentioned it’s essential to drink plenty of fluids and eat sufficient protein when taking GLP-1 medicine. In reality, a latest study reported that protein may help forestall muscle loss brought on by GLP-1 medicine.

“They’re loads of causes for folks to take weight reduction drugs, however you might want to watch out,” Li mentioned.