{"id":105442,"date":"2025-07-30T18:08:16","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T18:08:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/105442\/"},"modified":"2025-07-30T18:08:16","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T18:08:16","slug":"glp-1-drugs-like-ozempic-wegovy-may-cause-dehydration-experts-say","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/105442\/","title":{"rendered":"GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic, Wegovy May Cause Dehydration, Experts Say"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hot-heat-tennis-1296x728-header.jpg\" alt=\"Female playing tennis in hot weather\" class=\"css-1jytyml\"\/><a class=\"icon-hl-pinterest css-1dn5h5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" data-event=\"Any Page|Image Pinterest Click|Icon Clicked\" data-element-event=\"OPEN|CONTENTBLOCK|Any Page|Article Body|BUTTON|Image Widget Pinterest Click|\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthline.com%2Fhealth-news%2Fglp-1-drugs-dehydration-extreme-heat&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.post.rvohealth.io%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F07%2Fhot-heat-tennis-1296x728-header.jpg&amp;description=GLP-1%20Drugs%20Like%20Ozempic%2C%20Wegovy%20May%20Cause%20Dehydration%2C%20Experts%20Say\" title=\"Share on Pinterest\" data-pin-custom=\"true\" data-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/hot-heat-tennis-1296x728-header.jpg\">Share on Pinterest<\/a> The hunger-reducing mechanisms of GLP-1 drugs, as well as their side effects, may contribute to dehydration. Edwin Tan\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Experts say people who take GLP-1 weight loss medications should stay hydrated, particularly when temperatures are high.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>The mechanisms of GLP-1 drugs that help reduce appetite, as well as their side effects, may lead to dehydration.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Dehydration can cause symptoms such as dizziness and a dry throat, as well as potentially lead to cramps and even seizures.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Dehydration could be a potential side effect of taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro.<\/p>\n<p>Experts say dehydration can easily occur as people lose weight with GLP-1 drugs, as their hunger and thirst impulses are tamped down by these medications.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDehydration is a serious risk when taking GLP-1 medications,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.memorialcare.org\/providers\/kais-rona\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\">Kais Rona<\/a>, MD, a bariatric surgeon of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in California, told Healthline. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cA reduction in hunger drive may be associated with a reduction in thirst drive as well. Patients can develop dehydration rather quickly while taking these medications.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Rona and other experts emphasize that dehydration is not a direct result of taking the GLP-1 drugs.<\/p>\n<p>Rather, dehydration develops because of the medication\u2019s mechanisms to lower the body\u2019s desire for food and consequently liquids. Here\u2019s what you need to know about staying hydrated while taking GLP-1 drugs, particularly during rising temperatures.<\/p>\n<p>Common side effects from GLP-1 drugs, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, can exacerbate dehydration.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese medications work by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/ways-reduce-hunger-appetite\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reducing appetite<\/a> and slowing down gut function, which not only result in a reduction in food intake, but a reduction in fluid intake as well,\u201d Rona explained.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFurthermore, the most common side effects associated with GLP-1 medications are gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, constipation, and vomiting.\u201d These symptoms, he added, may exacerbate dehydration.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey can also increase the risk of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and other GI side effects \u2014 all of which can be made worse by dehydration.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lonetreefp.com\/registered-dietitian\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\">Jessica Crandall Snyder<\/a>, a registered dietitian and a medical advisor to FuturHealth, noted the issue is even more important in warmer weather.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGLP-1s can interfere with your body\u2019s natural hunger and thirst cues, meaning you might not feel thirsty even when your body needs fluids,\u201d she told Healthline. \u201cThey may also impact <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/thermoregulation\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">thermoregulation<\/a>, making it harder for the body to cool itself effectively. In hot weather, that could increase the risk of overheating or even heat-related illness.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/providers\/zhaoping-li\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\">Zhaoping Li<\/a>, MD, a professor of clinical medicine and the chief of the Division of Clinical Nutrition at the University of California Los Angeles, said GLP-1 drugs can also cause people to urinate more often. That can also lead to dehydration. \u201cYou need to be careful,\u201d Li told Healthline. <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/dehydration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\">Dehydration<\/a> occurs when the body doesn\u2019t adequately replace the fluids it loses when sweating and urinating.<\/p>\n<p>You can also become low on fluids if you have an illness, especially one that causes fever.<\/p>\n<p>People who are more likely to become dehydrated include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>athletes<\/li>\n<li>older adults<\/li>\n<li>people working in hot weather<\/li>\n<li>infants and young children<\/li>\n<li>people with chronic conditions<\/li>\n<li>people who live at high altitudes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The symptoms of dehydration include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>increased thirst<\/li>\n<li>dry mouth<\/li>\n<li>fatigue<\/li>\n<li>dizziness<\/li>\n<li>dry skin<\/li>\n<li>headache<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In more serious cases, dehydration can cause a rapid heart beat and rapid breathing. Li said a person who is dehydrated may also develop low blood pressure.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn addition, as you urinate, you can lose calcium, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/potassium\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">potassium<\/a>, and salt,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>Rona said there are a variety of serious ailments that can also be produced by dehydration.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cDehydration can result in significant electrolyte abnormalities, which may present as vague symptoms such as confusion, decrease in energy levels, fatigue, or muscle spasms,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cInadequate hydration can also worsen constipation, which is a common side effect of the medication. Lastly, severe dehydration can lead to blood pressure abnormalities as well as kidney injury, which can sometimes result in permanent kidney damage if not addressed urgently.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>On their website, officials at <a href=\"https:\/\/revivlounge.com\/blog\/why-drinking-water-is-essential-for-weight-loss-on-glp-1s-like-semaglutide-amp-tirzepatide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\">Reviv Lounge<\/a>, a weight loss treatment center in Wisconsin, discuss the importance of hydration while taking GLP-1 medications.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWater is essential for nearly every function in your body, but it plays a particularly crucial role when you\u2019re actively <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/best-ways-to-burn-fat\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trying to lose weight<\/a>,\u201d they say. They also note that when the body is low on fluids, it can hold onto excessive sodium, which can cause bloating and water retention.<\/p>\n<p>Staying hydrated is key to maintaining overall health. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/hydration-may-be-a-key-to-healthy-aging\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\">2023 study<\/a> concluded that hydration can also help with healthy aging. <\/p>\n<p>In general, it\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-much-water-should-I-drink\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">recommended<\/a> that males drink 13 cups of water per day and women drink nine cups of water per day.<\/p>\n<p>Experts interviewed by Healthline agreed it\u2019s important to stay hydrated while taking weight loss medications.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is very important to prioritize hydration when taking a GLP-1 medication,\u201d said Rona. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWater with or without natural flavors and electrolyte-based fluids are the preferred sources of hydration. It is important to reduce the intake of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/13-ways-sugary-soda-is-bad-for-you\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sugary beverages<\/a> as well as carbonated beverages, which can sometimes exacerbate the gastrointestinal side effects of the medication,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is critical to know your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/how-much-water-should-I-drink\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hydration needs<\/a> and keep track of your intake,\u201d Michael Snyder noted. \u201cThis is the same as we recommend for anyone following a dietary regimen, but more so if you are on GLP-1 medications, since they can notably affect hydration status.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Jessica Crandell Snyder shared some practical advice for people taking GLP-1 medications.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cStart with a comprehensive plan, not just the medication. Stay hydrated and drink electrolyte-rich fluids if you\u2019re experiencing GI symptoms,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you are nauseated, take small, frequent sips of cold beverages. Continue to prioritize <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/high-protein-meals\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">high protein meals<\/a> and stay in close communication with your healthcare provider, especially in the early weeks or if digestive symptoms persist. GLP-1s are powerful tools, but they\u2019re most effective when supported by lifestyle shifts,\u201d she recommended.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/drugs\/ozempic-for-weight-loss\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ozempic<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/drugs\/rybelsus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\">Rybelsus<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/drugs\/wegovy\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wegovy<\/a> contain the active ingredient semaglutide. Ozempic and Rybelsus are used for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/type-2-diabetes\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">type 2 diabetes<\/a>. While Ozempic is often prescribed off-label for weight loss, Wegovy is approved by the FDA for weight loss. <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/drugs\/mounjaro\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mounjaro<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/drugs\/zepbound\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zepbound<\/a> contain the active ingredient tirzepatide. Mounjaro has been approved to treat type 2 diabetes, while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/drugs\/zepbound\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zepbound<\/a> has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss.<\/p>\n<p>In the past three years, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/ways-to-increase-weight-loss-wegovy-zepbound\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">numerous studies<\/a> have lauded the weight loss benefits of GLP-1 drugs. In addition, researchers have reported that GLP-1 drugs can help:<\/p>\n<p>However, these GLP-1 drugs can produce <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/drugs\/zepbound-side-effects\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\">side effects<\/a>. Among them:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>nausea and vomiting<\/li>\n<li>diarrhea<\/li>\n<li>constipation<\/li>\n<li>abdominal pain<\/li>\n<li>indigestion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Li said it\u2019s important to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/how-to-rehydrate\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">drink plenty of fluids<\/a> and consume enough protein when taking GLP-1 drugs. In fact, a recent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health-news\/protein-muscle-loss-weight-loss-drugs\" class=\"content-link css-1c2ok3c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">study<\/a> reported that protein can help prevent muscle loss caused by GLP-1 drugs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey are plenty of reasons for people to take weight loss medications, but you need to be careful,\u201d Li said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Share on Pinterest The hunger-reducing mechanisms of GLP-1 drugs, as well as their side effects, may contribute to&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":105443,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34],"tags":[10668,2401,210,1060,67,132,68],"class_list":{"0":"post-105442","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-medication","8":"tag-dehydration","9":"tag-glp-1-drugs","10":"tag-health","11":"tag-medication","12":"tag-united-states","13":"tag-unitedstates","14":"tag-us"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/114943525630927397","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/105442","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=105442"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/105442\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/105443"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=105442"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=105442"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=105442"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}