How to Prevent Constipation on Ozempic? Your Guide to Relief

October 28, 2025 •

3 min read

Studies show constipation affects up to 24% of people using semaglutide for weight loss, and around 3-13% of diabetes patients. Knowing how to prevent constipation on Ozempic is crucial for managing this common side effect and maintaining your digestive comfort throughout treatment.

Quick Summary

Managing constipation on Ozempic involves a combination of dietary adjustments, increased hydration, regular physical activity, and strategic use of supplements or over-the-counter relief. This guide outlines key strategies to help maintain bowel regularity.

Key Points

Hydrate Regularly: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep stools soft and easy to pass. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses daily.
Boost Fiber Gradually: Increase your intake of high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains slowly to avoid bloating. Consider supplements like psyllium husk if needed.
Stay Active: Regular physical activity, even light walking for 20-30 minutes, helps stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.
Establish a Routine: Practice timed bathroom visits, ideally 20-30 minutes after a meal, to encourage bowel regularity and avoid ignoring the urge.
Discuss Medications: If lifestyle changes are insufficient, talk to your doctor about safe OTC options like MiraLAX or prescription treatments. Avoid long-term use of stimulant laxatives without medical guidance.
Monitor and Consult: Pay attention to persistent or severe symptoms. Contact your healthcare provider if constipation lasts more than two weeks or is accompanied by intense pain or other concerning signs.

Why Ozempic Causes Constipation

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by mimicking a natural hormone, which slows gastric emptying. This means food moves slower through the digestive tract, potentially leading to harder stools. Additionally, Ozempic can decrease appetite, leading to less food and fluid intake, further contributing to constipation.

Dietary Strategies to Combat Constipation

Adjusting your diet is essential to manage Ozempic-related constipation, especially since you may be eating less. Focus on nutrient-dense foods that support healthy digestion.

Increase Your Fiber Intake Gradually

Gradually increasing fiber helps add bulk and softness to stool. Aim for the recommended 25-38 grams daily.

Include high-fiber fruits like pears, apples, and berries. Prunes and prune juice are particularly effective natural laxatives.
Add vegetables such as leafy greens, broccoli, and sweet potatoes to your meals.
Incorporate legumes like beans, lentils, and chickpeas.
Choose whole grains over refined options.
Snack on nuts and seeds, particularly flaxseeds and chia seeds, which can be added to other foods.

Stay Adequately Hydrated

Drinking enough fluids is crucial for preventing hard, dry stools. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, or more if needed. You can make water more appealing by adding flavors or opting for herbal teas and clear broths.

Smart Food Choices

Limit foods known to worsen constipation while favoring those that aid digestion.

Limit: Processed foods, refined grains, red meat, and excessive dairy.
Favor: Foods like kiwi, prunes, and leafy greens that can act as natural laxatives.

The Importance of Movement and Routine

Combining dietary changes with physical activity and consistent habits can significantly improve digestive function.

Incorporate Regular Physical Activity

Exercise stimulates intestinal muscles, helping move waste through the digestive tract. Even a 20-30 minute walk daily can be beneficial. Gentle yoga or abdominal massage may also help.

Develop Consistent Bowel Habits

Try to have a consistent time each day for a bowel movement, such as after a meal. Do not ignore the urge to go. Using a footstool can improve positioning.

Over-the-Counter and Prescription Options

If lifestyle changes aren't sufficient, discuss medical options with your healthcare provider.

OTC and Prescription Laxatives


Type of Laxative	OTC Examples	How It Works	Prescription Options	Notes
Osmotic	MiraLAX (Polyethylene glycol)	Draws water into the colon to soften stool.	Lactulose	Safe for occasional or regular use; slow-acting.
Stool Softener	Colace (Docusate sodium)	Increases water in stool, making it easier to pass.	N/A	Gentle option, generally safe for short-term use.
Stimulant	Dulcolax (Bisacodyl), Senokot (Senna)	Causes intestinal muscles to contract to move stool.	Prucalopride	Should only be used short-term to avoid dependency.
Bulk-Forming	Metamucil (Psyllium husk)	Absorbs water to add bulk to stool.	N/A	Must be taken with plenty of water to be effective.

The Role of Probiotics and Supplements

Probiotics can support gut health and aid regularity. Consider supplements or fermented foods. Magnesium supplements, like magnesium citrate, can also help by drawing water into the intestines. Consult your doctor before starting supplements.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

Seek medical advice if you experience persistent or severe constipation that doesn't improve with lifestyle changes, intense abdominal pain, persistent nausea or vomiting, rectal bleeding, inability to pass gas or stool, or unexplained weight loss. Your doctor can help determine the best course of action.

Conclusion

Constipation while on Ozempic is a common issue that can often be managed effectively. By focusing on adequate hydration, a fiber-rich diet, regular physical activity, and establishing consistent habits, you can significantly improve digestive comfort. For more persistent symptoms, over-the-counter or prescription options are available after consulting with your healthcare provider. Open communication with your doctor is key to developing a personalized plan for managing this side effect. For more information on fiber, you can consult the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Miralax is generally considered a safe over-the-counter option for treating Ozempic-related constipation, but it's always best to consult your doctor before starting any new medication.

The duration varies, but research indicates that Ozempic-related constipation can last around 47 days on average as your body adjusts to the medication. Symptoms often resolve as treatment continues.

To prevent worsening constipation, you should limit foods low in fiber, such as highly processed foods, sugary items, excess dairy, and red meat. These can further slow down digestion.

Yes, some studies suggest a correlation between higher Ozempic doses and an increased frequency and severity of constipation. Starting with a lower dose may help mitigate this risk.

Proper hydration is critical because water is essential for softening stools and promoting bowel movements. Ozempic can decrease fluid intake by suppressing appetite, making conscious hydration especially important.

Probiotics can help support a healthy gut microbiome and promote digestive regularity, potentially easing constipation symptoms. They can be consumed through supplements or fermented foods like yogurt and kefir.

You should contact your healthcare provider if constipation is severe, lasts more than two weeks, or is accompanied by symptoms like intense abdominal pain, persistent nausea, vomiting, or rectal bleeding.

Yes, regular physical activity, even moderate exercise like a daily walk, can help stimulate the muscles in your intestines and promote more regular bowel movements.

Yes, certain magnesium supplements, such as magnesium oxide or citrate, can act as a natural laxative by drawing water into the intestines to soften stool. Discuss proper dosage with a healthcare provider.