The GLP-1 Method™

Common Symptom Support

Most people experience few or only mild side effects when starting GLP-1 medication. If symptoms do occur, they are often temporary and may improve as your body adjusts. This guide will help you understand common symptoms, identify practical steps that may help and recognise when to contact your healthcare professional.

Before you begin

A Few Important Things to Know

Small, practical adjustments can make symptoms easier to manage while your body adjusts.

1

Start Small

Many digestive symptoms improve when you eat smaller meals more frequently instead of trying to eat large portions.

2

Stay Hydrated

Vomiting, diarrhoea and reduced food intake can increase your risk of dehydration. Aim to drink regularly throughout the day.

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3

Prioritise Protein

Even if your appetite is reduced, try to include a source of protein whenever you eat. Small amounts are still useful.

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4

Listen to Your Body

Your appetite, fullness and food preferences may change. It is okay to adapt your meals while your body adjusts.

Digestive symptoms

Common Symptoms and What May Help

Nausea

GLP-1 medication slows stomach emptying, which can make some people feel sick, particularly during the first few weeks or after a dose increase.

What may help

  • Eat smaller meals.
  • Eat slowly and stop before you feel overly full.
  • Choose plain, simple foods if needed.
  • Sip fluids throughout the day.
  • Stay upright after eating.

Foods that may be easier to tolerate

  • Toast, crackers, rice, oats and potatoes
  • Bananas or applesauce
  • Soup
  • Greek yoghurt if tolerated
  • Plain chicken or eggs

Foods that may make nausea worse

  • Large meals
  • Fried, rich, creamy or greasy foods
  • Spicy meals
  • Alcohol
Contact your healthcare professional if nausea is severe, persistent or prevents you from eating or drinking normally.

Vomiting

Occasional vomiting can happen, particularly after eating too much or following a dose increase.

What may help

  • Take small sips of water regularly.
  • Use an oral rehydration solution if recommended.
  • Wait until vomiting has settled before eating again.
  • Restart with small, plain meals.
Contact your healthcare professional if vomiting continues, you cannot keep fluids down or you feel dizzy or dehydrated.

Constipation

Constipation is one of the more commonly reported side effects of GLP-1 medication.

What may help

  • Drink enough fluids.
  • Increase fibre gradually.
  • Walk regularly if you feel able.
  • Continue eating regularly.
  • Include vegetables, fruit, beans and whole grains where comfortable.

Helpful foods

  • Kiwi fruit
  • Pears and prunes
  • Oats
  • Lentils and chickpeas
  • Vegetables
Avoid suddenly increasing fibre without also increasing fluids.

Diarrhoea

Some people experience loose stools, particularly when starting treatment.

What may help

  • Replace lost fluids.
  • Eat simple meals until symptoms improve.
  • Choose lower-fat foods temporarily.

Foods that may be easier to tolerate

  • Rice
  • Toast
  • Bananas
  • Applesauce
  • Potatoes
  • Plain chicken
Contact your healthcare professional if diarrhoea lasts for several days or you become dehydrated.

Heartburn and Reflux

Because food stays in the stomach for longer, some people notice reflux or indigestion.

  • Eat smaller meals.
  • Eat more slowly.
  • Avoid lying down after eating.
  • Limit foods that you already know trigger symptoms.

Bloating and Burping

Feeling bloated or burping more than usual can occur while your digestive system adjusts.

  • Eat slowly.
  • Avoid fizzy drinks if they make symptoms worse.
  • Eat smaller meals.
  • Limit large amounts of fatty foods.

Feeling Full Very Quickly

Early fullness is one of the expected effects of GLP-1 medication.

  • Start with protein.
  • Eat nutrient-dense foods first.
  • Stop eating when comfortably full.
  • Do not force yourself to finish meals.

Low Appetite

Many people simply do not feel hungry, but your body still needs nutrition.

  • Prioritise protein.
  • Drink fluids regularly.
  • Include fruit and vegetables where comfortable.
  • Add whole grains when tolerated.
Even small meals contribute towards your daily nutrition.

Fatigue, Dizziness and Headaches

These symptoms may occur because you are eating less, drinking less or adjusting to treatment.

  • Have you eaten today?
  • Have you included protein?
  • Have you had enough water?
  • Have you skipped meals?
If symptoms continue, speak to your healthcare professional.

Injection-Site Reactions

Mild redness, itching or soreness can occur where the medication is injected. These reactions usually settle within a few days.

  • Rotate injection sites regularly.
  • Follow the injection instructions provided with your medication.
  • Contact your healthcare professional if the reaction is severe or worsening.

Hair Loss

Some people notice increased hair shedding while losing weight. This can be related to rapid weight loss rather than the medication itself.

  • Work towards your protein target.
  • Eat a varied, balanced diet.
  • Discuss persistent or significant hair loss with your healthcare professional.

When to ask for help

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Contact your healthcare professional if:

  • You cannot eat or drink properly.
  • Symptoms continue for several days.
  • Side effects become severe.
  • Symptoms are affecting your daily life.
  • You are unsure whether your medication should be continued.

Urgent symptoms

Seek Urgent Medical Attention

Seek urgent medical advice if you experience:

  • Severe or persistent abdominal pain, particularly if it spreads to your back.
  • Repeated vomiting and an inability to keep fluids down.
  • Signs of severe dehydration.
  • Blood in your vomit or stools.
  • Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat.

A quick self-check

The Evoren Symptom Check

  • Am I drinking enough fluids?
  • Am I eating small, regular meals?
  • Have I prioritised protein today?
  • Am I eating slowly?
  • Is this symptom improving?
  • Do I need to contact my healthcare professional?

A realistic approach

Progress Over Perfection

Most side effects improve with time. Your body is adjusting to a new medication, and that process may take a few weeks.

If today has not gone to plan, focus on what you can do next.

  • Drink another glass of water.
  • Eat a small protein-rich meal if you can.
  • Go for a short walk if you feel able.
  • Rest when you need to.

Small actions, repeated consistently, often make the biggest difference.