Wegovy Nausea: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Manage It

When you start taking Wegovy, a once-weekly injectable medication containing semaglutide, used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes management. Also known as semaglutide, it works by slowing digestion and reducing appetite, which helps most people lose weight over time. But for many, the first few weeks bring a familiar and uncomfortable side effect: nausea. It’s not rare—about 1 in 3 people experience it, and while it’s usually mild, it can feel overwhelming when it hits. The good news? It almost always gets better. Most people find their nausea fades after a few weeks as their body adjusts.

This nausea isn’t random. It’s tied to how semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a natural gut hormone. Also known as GLP-1 agonist, it slows stomach emptying and signals fullness to the brain. works. Your stomach doesn’t empty as fast, which can make you feel full, bloated, or queasy—especially after eating larger or fatty meals. It’s not a sign something’s wrong; it’s your body adapting. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Simple tweaks—like eating smaller meals, avoiding greasy food, staying upright after eating, and drinking water slowly—can cut nausea in half. Some people find ginger tea or peppermint helps. Others swear by taking Wegovy at night so they sleep through the worst of it.

It’s also important to know when nausea might mean something else. If it’s severe, lasts longer than 4–6 weeks, or comes with vomiting, dizziness, or dehydration, talk to your doctor. You might need a slower dose increase, or your provider may check for other causes like gallbladder issues or acid reflux. Many people stop Wegovy because of nausea—but most of them could have kept going with better support. The key is to not push through pain, but to adjust smartly.

Below, you’ll find real-world advice from people who’ve been there, along with science-backed tips on managing this side effect without quitting the medication. Whether you’re just starting Wegovy or struggling with nausea after months, you’ll find practical steps that actually work.