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 medication that assist cut back urge for food, in addition to their unintended effects, might result in dehydration.
• Dehydration could cause signs resembling dizziness and a dry throat, in addition to doubtlessly result in cramps and even seizures.

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

Consultants say dehydration can simply happen as folks drop extra pounds with GLP-1 medication, as their starvation and thirst impulses are tamped down by these drugs.

“Dehydration is a severe 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 somewhat shortly whereas taking these drugs.”

Rona and different specialists emphasize that dehydration is just not a direct results of taking the GLP-1 medication.

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

Widespread unintended effects from GLP-1 medication, resembling 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 resembling nausea, constipation, and vomiting.” These signs, he added, might exacerbate dehydration.

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

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

“GLP-1s can intervene together with your physique’s pure starvation and thirst cues, that means you won’t 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 sizzling climate, that might improve the chance 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, stated GLP-1 medication can even trigger folks to urinate extra usually. That may additionally result in dehydration. “You must watch out,” Li instructed Healthline.

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

It’s also possible to grow to be low on fluids in case you have an sickness, particularly one which causes fever.

People who find themselves extra prone to grow to be dehydrated embody:

• athletes
• older adults
• folks working in sizzling climate
• infants and younger kids
• folks with continual situations
• individuals who reside at excessive altitudes

The signs of dehydration embody:

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

In additional severe instances, dehydration could cause a fast coronary heart beat and fast respiration. Li stated an individual who’s dehydrated might also develop low blood strain.

“As well as, as you urinate, you’ll be able to lose calcium, potassium, and salt,” she stated.

Rona stated there are a selection of significant illnesses that will also be produced by dehydration.

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

“Insufficient hydration can even worsen constipation, which is a typical facet impact of the medicine. Lastly, extreme dehydration can result in blood strain abnormalities in addition to kidney damage, which may typically end in everlasting kidney injury if not addressed urgently.”

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

“Water is important for practically each perform in your physique, however it performs a very essential function while you’re actively trying to lose weight,” they are saying. Additionally they observe that when the physique is low on fluids, it could actually maintain onto extreme sodium, which may trigger bloating and water retention.

Staying hydrated is vital to sustaining general well being. A 2023 study concluded that hydration can even assist with wholesome growing older.

Generally, it’s recommended that males drink 13 cups of water per day and ladies drink 9 cups of water per day.

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

“It is extremely vital to prioritize hydration when taking a GLP-1 medicine,” stated 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 may typically exacerbate the gastrointestinal unintended effects of the medicine,” he added.

“It’s vital to know your hydration needs and preserve monitor 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 medicine. Keep hydrated and drink electrolyte-rich fluids in case you’re experiencing GI signs,” she stated.

“If you’re 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 only when supported by life-style 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 commonly prescribed off-label for weight reduction, Wegovy is accredited by the FDA for weight reduction.

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

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

Nonetheless, these GLP-1 medication can produce side effects. Amongst them:

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

Li stated it’s vital to drink plenty of fluids and devour sufficient protein when taking GLP-1 medication. In actual fact, a latest study reported that protein may also help forestall muscle loss brought on by GLP-1 medication.

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