Let’s be real - while GLP-1s do incredible things, side effects can sometimes show up (especially early on). 

The good news? Most are mild, temporary, and totally manageable with the right habits. Here’s your guide on what to expect and how to stay ahead.

• Hydrate like a boss - sip steadily through the day instead of chugging big amounts.

• Smaller, slower meals - your stomach will thank you. Heavy, greasy foods are the most likely to cause discomfort.

• Chew well + pause often - the slower you eat, the easier digestion becomes.

• Gentle foods first - crackers, broths, plain rice, yoghurt, or eggs are great if you’re feeling sensitive.

• Limit alcohol (for now) - it can amplify nausea.

• Try ginger or peppermint - teas, lozenges, or sugar-free mints are simple, safe helpers.

We recommend taking your jab each night, right before bed for 2 reasons:

1. You can sleep through any potential side effects like nausea

2. You can spend the whole day leading up to the jab hydrating. Research has shown that your hydration levels affect how well you tolerate the medication (ie. you'll have less side effects). 

What you do the day before your injection can make a big difference to how you feel after:

• Stay hydrated the day before - aim for 2–3 litres of water, spaced out across the day.

• Keep meals light + balanced - avoid heavy, high-fat feasts the night before (they can make nausea worse after your jab).

• Get a good night’s sleep - your body handles side effects better when it’s rested.

• Avoid excessive alcohol - it can dehydrate you and irritate your stomach.

• Plan your jab time wisely - many people prefer evenings, so they can sleep through the “settling in” phase.

Most side effects (like mild nausea, bloating, or feeling very full) ease within the first couple of weeks as your body adapts. 

Patience is your friend here - things usually smooth out with time. 

You may notice increased side effects when you increase your dose. Again, they should ease over time. That is why it is always recommended to stay at your current dose for a minimum of 4 weeks before increasing - so your body has time to adjust. 

Keep an eye out for red flags:

• Severe or ongoing vomiting

• Persistent abdominal pain that doesn’t ease

• Faintness, dizziness, or feeling generally unwell

• Hot or swollen injection sites (some redness is a typical injection site reaction, but heat is an indication something is wrong)
  
  

👉 If any of these show up, stop and seek medical advice straight away. Safety first, always.

This journey isn’t about white-knuckling through discomfort. With a few smart tweaks and some pre-jab prep, you’ll be setting yourself up for the smoothest ride possible. 

Remember, you can always decrease back down a dose if you cannot tolerate the increase. It's not a failure, it's just giving your body more time to adjust as needed.