Ozempic® and Diarrhea: What to Know

Updated on March 8, 2026 by Lori Mulligan, MPH. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.

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Why Does Ozempic® Cause Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is one of the gastrointestinal side effects reported by people taking Ozempic®. While the exact cause is not fully understood, it is believed to be related to how semaglutide affects digestion and intestinal motility.

Ozempic® slows gastric emptying and may alter nutrient absorption. When nutrients are not fully absorbed, excess water can move into the intestines, leading to osmotic diarrhea. The prolonged stretching of the stomach can also activate the gastrocolic reflex—a natural response that increases movement in the colon—which may further contribute to diarrhea.

Research suggests that approximately 32% of people taking Ozempic® for weight loss report experiencing diarrhea as a side effect.[4]

What the Research Says

Research shows that gastrointestinal symptoms are among the most common side effects of semaglutide medications like Ozempic®. In clinical trials, digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation were reported more frequently in people taking semaglutide than in those taking a placebo.[6]

Most of these symptoms are mild to moderate and tend to improve as the body adjusts to the medication. However, gastrointestinal side effects are also one of the main reasons some patients stop taking semaglutide. Studies suggest that roughly 10% of patients discontinue treatment because of digestive symptoms.[5]

Doctors often recommend small changes to help manage these side effects, such as eating smaller meals, eating slowly, stopping when you feel full, and avoiding high-fat foods.

Although researchers are still studying the exact cause, semaglutide appears to influence how quickly food moves through the digestive system and how nutrients are absorbed. These changes can sometimes lead to temporary digestive symptoms such as diarrhea.[5]

Tips for Diarrhea Relief

If you experience diarrhea while taking Ozempic®, there are several strategies that may help reduce symptoms as your body adjusts to the medication:

• Eat smaller meals: Large meals can be harder to digest when gastric emptying is slowed. Smaller, more frequent meals may be easier on your digestive system.
• Avoid high-fat or greasy foods: Foods that are high in fat can worsen digestive symptoms and may increase the likelihood of diarrhea.
• Stay hydrated: Diarrhea can lead to fluid loss. Drinking water or electrolyte-containing fluids can help prevent dehydration.
• Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods: Foods such as bananas, rice, toast, applesauce, and oatmeal may help calm the digestive system.
• Eat slowly and stop when you feel full: Eating too quickly can worsen gastrointestinal symptoms while taking GLP-1 medications.
• Talk to your healthcare provider: If symptoms persist or become severe, your provider may adjust your dose or recommend other strategies to help manage side effects.

Talk to a Provider About GLP-1 Treatment

Digestive symptoms such as diarrhea are among the most commonly reported side effects of medications like Ozempic®. While these symptoms are often temporary, they can be uncomfortable and may affect how well someone tolerates treatment.

If you are considering semaglutide or experiencing side effects while taking it, speaking with a licensed healthcare provider can help you understand your options. A provider can review your health history, adjust dosing if necessary, and determine whether GLP-1 treatment is the right approach for your goals.

Related Content

Ozempic® Nausea Relief: What to Know

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Ozempic® for Weight Loss?

Can You Take Ozempic® While Pregnant?

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References

1. Semaglutide (Ozempic®) for type 2 diabetes mellitus. American Family Physician. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/0715/p116.html. Accessed on 10/10/2023.
2. Drug trial snapshot: Ozempic®. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/drug-trial-snapshot-Ozempic. 8/20/2020. Accessed on 10/10/2023.
3. Semaglutide injection. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19011-semaglutide-injection. Accessed on 10/10/2023.
4. Possible Side Effects of Ozempic® (semaglutide) Injection. Novo Nordisk. https://www.ozempic.com/how-to-take/side-effects.html. Accessed on 10/10/2023.
5. Smits MM, Van Raalte, DH. Safety of semaglutide. Front. Endocrinol., 07 July 2021. Sec. Clinical Diabetes Volume 12 - 2021.
6. Garvey, W.T., Batterham, R.L., Bhatta, M. et al. Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nat Med 28, 2083–2091 (2022).