Let's Settle This—How Bad Is Nausea on Ozempic, Really?

Emily Laurence
·5 min read
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Recently, actress and comedian Amy Schumer opened up to Andy Cohen about her experience taking Ozempic, a prescription drug that has been approved to help manage Type 2 diabetes but that many people are using for weight loss. Schumer told Cohen that she started taking the drug a year ago, but had to stop because the side effects were so debilitating. “I was one of the people that felt sick. I couldn’t play with my son,” she told him. “You’re like, ‘OK, this isn’t liveable for me.’”

If you’re considering taking Ozempic (or its generic form, semaglutide), it’s important to know all the facts about the drug, including who it’s for, what the most common side effects are, and how likely you are to experience them. After all, there’s no point in being prescribed the drug if the side effects are so bad that it causes you to stop taking it completely. Keep reading for all the need-to-know facts, from three doctors who prescribe the drug.

Related: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro—Is There a Difference Between These Medications? Here's What Experts Say

How Common Is Nausea on Ozempic?

According to statistics, nausea (like Schumer experienced) is one of the most common side effects of Ozempic, affecting up to 20 percent of people who take it. Another common side effect is diarrhea, affecting 9 percent of people taking the drug for diabetes management and 30 percent of people taking it for weight loss. Other side effects include vomiting, stomach pain, heartburn, and fatigue.

Dr. Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, says that side effects are most common if someone starts taking too high of a dose. “Sometimes people are overzealous and these medications are not treated with the respect they deserve,” he says. Dr. Vallecillos explains that sometimes people start on a dose that’s too high because they want to experience weight loss results as soon as possible. But he says that it’s better to start on a very low dose and taper up slowly (after a few months) to avoid unpleasant side effects.

Dr. Katherine H. Saunders, MD, DABOM, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, a leading expert in obesity medicine, and the co-founder of Intellihealth, also says that people are most likely to experience nausea (and other side effects) if they start on too high a dose. She says that when Ozempic is prescribed with the appropriate education and support to individuals who are appropriate candidates for the medication, extreme nausea is very uncommon.

If you aren't used to changes in blood sugar levels or have experienced digestive issues in the past, Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, a board-certified family medicine doctor, says you are more likely to experience Ozempic's unpleasant side effects.

Dr. Vallecillos emphasizes that Ozempic should not be treated casually; it’s not a way to lose weight without changing dietary or exercise habits and certainly shouldn’t be used to lose a stubborn 15 pounds to look good in a swimsuit or for a special event. He also says that people who are not truly obese are more likely to experience nausea, diarrhea, and other side effects. “This can also cause people to think the drug is working, but they are only losing water weight [from diarrhea] and not fat,” he says.

Related: Thinking About Trying Ozempic? Here's What You Can Expect Week by Week

All three doctors say that only people who truly need Ozempic (such as to manage Type 2 diabetes or obesity) should be prescribed it and it is only a part of the treatment plan; implementing healthy diet and lifestyle habits are key. “The way the drug works is that it slows down the digestive tract, so you have the sensation of being full and eat less,” Dr. Vallecillos says. “The problem is that when you aren’t eating, you lose muscle more than fat because muscle weighs more than fat.” He adds that it’s important for people taking Ozempic to be mindful of their protein intake, ensuring they’re getting enough, to prevent losing muscle.

If you are interested in trying Ozempic for weight loss, Dr. Vallecillos says that it’s important to work with a credible doctor and not just seek out anyone who will prescribe it to you. “Weight loss can be caused by underlying health conditions, such as a thyroid problem or hormone imbalance,” he says. “It’s important to work with a credible doctor who will help you get to the root cause of your health issues because that’s what’s important to treat and will be most effective.”

Related: How Much Weight Can You Expect to Lose on Ozempic?

How To Prevent Nausea on Ozempic

If you truly do need to take Ozempic, there are ways to lower your risk of experiencing nausea or other side effects. First, as the doctors have already emphasized, it’s important to start with a low dose. “Extreme nausea is quite rare among our patients because we begin with a low dose and titrate up slowly and conservatively as needed and tolerated,” Dr. Saunders says.

Next, Dr. Saunders says that it’s important to eat slowly and not overload your stomach by eating too much; avoid heavy meals. “One of our patients recently reported nausea and vomiting after eating a large pastrami sandwich too quickly to recognize his satiety signals,” she says.

Dr. Purdy says that it can also help to schedule the dose later in the afternoon, which can prevent feeling uncomfortable all day and hard to function. All three doctors also reiterate the importance of having healthy dietary and lifestyle habits in place, which also lowers the risk of experiencing nausea.

Ozempic can be a beneficial drug for those who actually need it, but it shouldn’t be used casually. Be sure to consult a credible doctor to find out if it’s truly a right fit for you. If it is and is used properly, you will likely avoid the negative side effects.

Next up, find out what happens when you stop taking Ozempic.

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