In recent years, revolutionary weight-loss medications have significantly changed the landscape of obesity treatment. These injectable drugs have enabled users to lose weight with remarkable ease, while promising an array of long-term health benefits. From reducing the risk of heart attacks to lowering the chances of developing dementia, these medications offer more than just a slimmer figure.

However, the journey is not straightforward for everyone. Drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, which belong to the GLP-1 class, are not without their challenges. Many users experience side effects that can severely impact their daily lives.

Among the most common side effects are nausea and vomiting, which are reported to be so severe that up to half of the patients discontinue the treatment within a year. This situation is exemplified by comedian Amy Schumer, who after successfully losing 50 pounds with Mounjaro, had to abandon her use of Ozempic. The drug left her so nauseous that she was confined to bed and unable to engage with her son.

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and other similar GLP-1 drugs come with an array of side effects that can make life miserable.

Nausea and vomiting are by far the most common, and studies suggest up to half of patients quit the jabs within a year because of such problems.

Comedian Amy Schumer, 44, for instance, recently showcased an impressive 50lb weight loss on Mounjaro – but previously was forced to quit Ozempic because the treatment had made her so nauseous, she was bedridden and ‘too sick’ to play with her son.

Others find themselves unable to move up from the lower starting doses to the stronger, more effective ones needed to unlock the maximum weight-loss benefit.

Constipation, diarrhea, bloating and other more embarrassing digestive issues are also commonplace.

However, experts who spend their working lives treating patients on GLP-1s say there is hope.

With the help of a few cheap, easy-to-obtain over-the-counter remedies – and some simple lifestyle tweaks – even those badly affected by side effects can often find relief.

Dr Jessica Duncan, an obesity medicine expert at Ivim Health, told the Daily Mail: ‘Nausea on GLP-1s often comes from how these medications slow movement of food through the digestive system. ‘Food sits in the stomach for longer, and that triggers discomfort. 

‘The good news is that this is mostly manageable – and it doesn’t need to cost a lot.’

The over-the-counter remedies that ease side effects

Doctors say there are cheap, widely available remedies that can help blunt the nausea and digestive problems triggered by weight-loss drugs.

British weight-loss expert and family physician Dr Donald Grant recommends a trio of over-the-counter medications that, he says, every GLP-1 user should consider keeping at home.

The first is senna. Sold in most pharmacies – including brands such as Dulcolax and Senokot, as well as CVS, Target and Walgreens own-label versions – it is a stimulant laxative derived from the senna plant.

It works by irritating the lining of the bowel, triggering muscle contractions that push stool through the gut more quickly.

That matters for GLP-1 users because these drugs slow stomach emptying and gut movement – a key part of how they reduce appetite, but also why patients can become constipated, bloated and nauseous.

By keeping things moving, senna can help relieve constipation and reduce the knock-on nausea caused by backed-up digestion.

Prices vary, but Target sells packs of 100 tablets for $8.99 – working out at around 9 cents per tablet, or roughly 18 cents per dose if two are taken.

Grant says this can be paired with a heartburn remedy containing aluminum hydroxide and magnesium compounds – most commonly sold in the US under brands such as Mylanta, alongside cheaper store-brand alternatives.

These medicines neutralize excess stomach acid and help coat the stomach lining, soothing irritation and reducing reflux and nausea when digestion is slowed.

Many US own-brand chewable or liquid antacids cost between $5 and $10 for packs of 80–160 doses, equating to roughly 5 to 15 cents per dose.

The third is loperamide hydrochloride 2mg, best known under brand names such as Imodium, as well as CVS, Walgreens and Target generics.

This commonly used anti-diarrhea medication works by slowing contractions in the gut, allowing more water to be absorbed and firming up stools.

For GLP-1 users who swing the other way – experiencing diarrhoea rather than constipation – it can help stabilise digestion and reduce urgency and discomfort.

Typical prices range from $6 to $12 for packs of 24–48 tablets, or around 25 to 50 cents per standard 2mg dose.

For more severe nausea, one option is dimenhydrinate, sold under brand names such as Dramamine, as well as CVS, Walgreens and Target own-label versions.

Commonly used for motion sickness, it works by blocking signals in the brain that trigger nausea and vomiting.

Packs typically cost between $5 and $10 for 12 to 36 tablets, working out at around 20 to 60 cents per dose, depending on brand and strength.

Another is meclizine, sold as Bonine or Dramamine Less Drowsy, alongside generic versions.

It works in a similar way – reducing activity in the inner ear and brain pathways linked to nausea – but is generally longer-lasting and less sedating than dimenhydrinate.

Prices are similar, with most doses costing roughly 25 to 50 cents each.

For more general stomach upset, bismuth subsalicylate – best known as Pepto-Bismol – is widely used.

Available as tablets or liquid, it works by coating the stomach lining and reducing irritation, helping to settle nausea.

Typical packs cost between $6 and $12, or around 30 to 80 cents per dose depending on format.

Another option is phosphorated carbohydrate solution, sold under the brand name Emetrol and in pharmacy own-label versions.

This works differently – relaxing the stomach muscles and helping to slow the signals that trigger vomiting.

A bottle usually costs around $6 to $8, equating to roughly 50 cents to $1 per standard dose.

Doctors say that, used appropriately, these treatments can ease side effects by helping food move through – or settle within – the digestive system more comfortably, depending on the symptom.

Grant said: ‘When side effects are left unmanaged, they can start to affect daily routines, from work to social plans. That’s often when people begin to lose confidence in the treatment.

‘By reducing symptom intensity and improving comfort, patients are much more likely to stay consistent and get the full benefits over time.’

Switch to four or five small meals a day

Many patients carry on eating the same three standard meals while on GLP-1s, but doctors say this is ill-advised.

To reduce nausea, Duncan recommends switching to four or five smaller meals spread across the day.

Smaller meals allow food to empty from the stomach more quickly, rather than sitting there for hours – cutting the risk of feeling unwell.

‘For meals, I recommend patients look at their daily protein goal and divide that up into four or five small meals,’ she said.

In its updated dietary guidance, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends consuming 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.

For an average US woman weighing 77.5kg (170.8lbs), that equates to at least 93 grams of protein a day – roughly three chicken breasts or four cod fillets.

Women are typically advised to consume around 2,000 calories per day to maintain a healthy weight, while men are told to aim for about 2,500.

‘It’s really helpful to buy smaller bowls and plates while on GLP-1s,’ she added. ‘That helps people to measure out less and get used to visually eating less.’

Duncan recommends leaving two to three hours between each small meal to give food time to move out of the stomach.

Eat slowly, choose the right foods – and stay hydrated

Most patients continue to eat as they always have while on GLP-1s – but Duncan warned this can drive nausea.

Rather than rushing meals, she recommends putting the fork down between mouthfuls and chewing thoroughly, helping food pass through the stomach more easily.

‘A good guideline is for each mouthful to be more liquid than it is solid before you swallow it,’ she said.

‘I tell my patients to put their forks down between mouthfuls… it does mean mealtimes take a little longer – perhaps 20 to 30 minutes.’

Dr Sirisha Vadali, an obesity expert at HonorHealth in Arizona, agreed, adding that patients should also stop eating just before they feel full, as fullness itself can trigger nausea.

What you eat matters too. Many patients find they are no longer drawn to greasy, fried and fast foods once they start the medications – but for those who do continue to eat them, there can be downsides.

Doctors warn that high-fat foods take longer to pass through the stomach, raising the risk of nausea.

‘Fried food, rich sauces, and sugary processed snacks tend to make symptoms such as nausea worse,’ Duncan said.

‘Lean protein, vegetables and moderate amounts of fiber tend to digest more comfortably and help stabilize blood sugar, which may ease the queasy feeling some patients describe.’

Doctors add that while fiber can help, patients should avoid suddenly loading up on large amounts of beans, lentils and whole grains, which can worsen bloating – particularly when the gut is already slowed by GLP-1 drugs. 

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli can also be harder to digest and may lead to more belching.

Lean options include chicken breast, minced turkey, lean beef, Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese and edamame. 

Some patients, Duncan said, struggle with richer foods such as creamy pasta dishes or heavily frosted cakes – though small portions of treats are usually fine.

Staying hydrated is also key. GLP-1 drugs blunt both hunger and thirst, increasing the risk of dehydration – a major trigger for nausea.

Duncan recommends ‘sipping consistently’ throughout the day, aiming for a drink every 10 to 15 minutes where possible, and keeping a reusable bottle close to hand.

Most adults need around 11.5 to 15.5 cups of fluid a day – roughly six 500ml bottles – though some experts suggest closer to three liters.

‘Dehydration is a big contributor to GLP-1 nausea,’ said Marlee Bruno. ‘I always tell my patients to drink more than you think. Around three liters a day is a good general target.’

Try ginger – and know when to seek help

Influencers have touted a flurry of supplements to ease nausea – but Duncan says one simple remedy often works.

‘Fresh ginger root steeped in hot water, ginger tea or even ginger chews can take the edge off nausea quickly.’

Ginger contains compounds such as gingerol, which may help speed stomach emptying and settle the gut.

However, doctors stress that while nausea is common – affecting up to half of patients – it should still be monitored.

‘It’s always good to let your provider know, even if it’s mild,’ Duncan said.

‘But any nausea associated with severe pain, diarrhea and vomiting needs to be evaluated. These symptoms can impact your ability to eat and stay hydrated.’

Doctors add that responses vary – and not every tip will work for everyone.

‘The most reliable fix for stubborn nausea is adjusting your dose or slowing your titration schedule, not pushing through,’ Duncan said. ‘Side effects are a signal, not a test of willpower.’