If you’re on a glucagon-like peptide-1 — commonly known as GLP-1 — medication, you might notice a queasy feeling that comes and goes. Some people get sick to their stomach at the thought, smell, or sight of certain foods.

GLP-1s affect how the body regulates blood sugar levels and digests food. These effects can contribute to nausea, especially if you just started treatment or increased your dose.

Here are some tips to manage this common side effect, along with advice on when to get help.

Why Do GLP-1 Medications Cause Nausea?

Studies suggest that somewhere between 25 percent and 44 percent of people on GLP-1s experience nausea. Learning how the medication works can help you understand why.

GLP-1 medications mimic the effects of a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone helps regulate blood sugar and appetite.

The hormone slows down the movement of food through your digestive system (especially your stomach), increasing feelings of fullness. As a result, people usually feel satisfied with less food.

However, these changes can also cause nausea. Food may stay in the stomach longer than usual. Eating the same amount you used to eat may leave you overly full or sick to your stomach.

In addition, GLP-1s help lower blood sugar levels. If blood sugar gets too low (hypoglycemia), you may have nausea or other symptoms.

Nausea can range from mild to severe. Simple strategies may help you feel better, especially as your body adjusts to the medication over time. But it’s also important to recognize the signs of a more serious problem.

Try Eating Smaller, More Frequent Meals

One of the most helpful ways to manage nausea is to change how much and how often you eat. Nausea is more likely to strike first thing in the morning or after you haven’t eaten in a while.

Start your day with a light breakfast. Then, have a snack every three hours or so.

Pay attention to how your body feels as you eat. Stop as soon as you start to feel satisfied. Avoid pushing past the point of fullness. You can always save leftovers for another time.

Slowing down can also help. Take smaller bites, chew your food well, and pause between bites. You may be eating less, but eating more slowly and mindfully can also help you enjoy the experience.

Avoid Large, Greasy, or High-Fat Meals

Crispy fries, creamy pasta dishes, and greasy bacon burgers may be too much for someone on a GLP-1 medication. In general, high-fat foods take longer to digest. Combine that with slower stomach emptying on GLP-1s, and you may feel like there’s a rock in your stomach.

If you notice that certain foods make you feel unwell, go for lighter options. Opt for baked instead of fried foods, and choose low-fat dairy products.

Focus on foods that are easy on the stomach. Toast, crackers, oatmeal, rice, bananas, applesauce, broth-based soups, potatoes, or lean proteins like chicken may be good options.

That said, your body still needs healthy fats. Try some avocado, olives, peanut butter, and fish in small amounts, depending on how you feel. Tracking your food intake and your symptoms can help identify what works for you.

Stay Hydrated, Even When You Feel Nauseated

It’s crucial to get enough fluids on GLP-1s, especially if nausea makes it hard to eat and drink normally. Vomiting and diarrhea can increase the risk of dehydration, which can be dangerous.

If drinking a full glass of water makes your stomach feel worse, try taking small sips throughout the day. You can also try drinking fluids between meals instead of drinking with food, if that feels easier.

Watch for signs of dehydration, which may include:

• Dark yellow urine or urinating less often than usual
• Dry mouth or unusual thirst
• Dizziness, especially when standing
• Feeling unusually weak or tired
• Sunken eyes and cheeks

More serious dehydration can cause confusion, fainting, or a rapid heartbeat. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney damage.

Check in with your healthcare provider about how much water you need. Seek emergency help if you can’t drink or keep fluids down.