Constipation

Constipation is a very common side effect of GLP1 and that over time it normally settles (up to a few weeks or 1-2 months). GLP-1 medications slow down the digestive process keeping the food longer in the guts, which may cause constipation 

There are several lifestyle strategies that can ease your symptoms:

• Eat smaller portions more frequently
• Physical activity and moving might help to maintain regular bowel movement - walking is beneficial
• Toilet time training: sit on the toilet the same time every day, even if you don’t need to go - your body will learn that it’s the right time to go :) 

Nutritional management:

Eat  ✅	Avoid  ❌
Increase fibre intake slowly (around 25 g/day)	Fast food & processed food (e.g. ready-made meals)
Increase fluid intake (preferably water, herbal teas)	Alcohol and fizzy drinks
Fruits: berries, apples, prunes (or prune juice), figs, nuts & seeds Morning hot coffee (if drinking already)	Overly sweet foods (sweet beverages, sugary foods, cakes, candy)
Vegetables: green peas, broccoli, sweet potato, squash, legumes
Whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat, oatmeal)

When to contact Beyondbmi or seek medical assistance:

• If your symptom is new since initiation of therapy, discuss it with your Beyondbmi clinical team at your next consultation or attend your GP
• If you would like to make any change to your medical therapy (i.e. Reduce dose/stop medication/change to new medication etc...) and feel you can’t wait until next consultation, contact your Beyondbmi team on [e-mail]. and a healthcare professional will get back to you within 72 hours.