Survey findings suggest nausea, bowel problems and reflux are making it harder for some people to persist with GLP-1 treatment, while concerns about safety are deterring potential users.
New survey data suggest that gastrointestinal side effects remain one of the biggest reasons people struggle to stay on GLP-1 medicines used for type 2 diabetes and weight management, with digestive symptoms shaping both treatment experience and expectations before starting the drugs. According to Everyday Health, fewer than one in five respondents said they had not experienced any side effects at all, while concerns about safety and the length of treatment were among the most common questions people wanted answered by a clinician.
Among current and former users who reported side effects, the most frequent complaints were digestive: diarrhoea or constipation, nausea or vomiting, heartburn or acid reflux, and fatigue or low energy. Anxiety or mood changes were also reported by a notable share of respondents. The survey found that women were more likely than men to report nausea, vomiting and reflux, and they also reported a higher overall number of side effects. By contrast, baby boomers were more likely than younger adults to say they had no side effects, while Black, Indigenous and other people of colour were more likely than white respondents to report anxiety or mood changes.
The findings fit with wider evidence that GLP-1 medicines often cause gastrointestinal problems, especially when treatment begins or the dose increases. A separate national survey commissioned by Oshi Health and carried out by Morning Consult in July found that 75% of GLP-1 users experienced some form of digestive side effect, and 41% said they were either quietly enduring symptoms, adjusting their own dose, or thinking about stopping treatment. Health researchers and drug information resources have also repeatedly identified nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation as the most common adverse effects, although these are often mild or moderate.
That wider picture helps explain why many people who have not yet tried a GLP-1 are hesitant. In the Everyday Health survey, 40% of non-users said they were worried about potential side effects. For clinicians, that suggests the issue is not only how often side effects happen, but also how patients are prepared for them, how quickly they get support when symptoms appear, and whether they understand that treatment can require persistence and adjustment.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
