Managing constipation whilst on GLP-1 treatments Dietary strategies Increase fibre intake gradually to 25-30g daily through fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes Stay well-hydrated with at least 2-3 litres of water daily Consider psyllium husk or other soluble fibre supplements if dietary fibre is insufficient Magnesium supplements can have a laxative effect and relieve constipation Include probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, kefir and fermented vegetables Limit foods that may worsen constipation such as processed foods, cheese, and white bread Physical activity approaches Try specific yoga poses known to stimulate digestive motility Practice abdominal massage in a clockwise direction Maintain an active lifestyle with regular movement throughout the day and at least 30 minutes regular exercise Consider a short walk after meals to stimulate digestion Bathroom habits Establish a regular toileting routine at the same time each day Dont ignore the urge to have a bowel movement Use proper positioning with knees higher than hips (a footstool can help) Allow sufficient unhurried time in the bathroom Practice relaxation techniques to reduce tension during bowel movements Medical interventions Over-the-counter osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol (Movicol) for occasional relief Stool softeners such as docusate sodium (Dioctyl) if stools are particularly hard Bulk-forming laxatives such as ispaghula husk (Fybogel)
GLP-1s support weight loss by: Delaying gastric emptying, which helps you feel fuller for longer after meals Regulating blood sugar, which can support steady energy and fewer cravings Reducing appetite and food noise by acting on hunger-regulating areas of the brain While Ozempic, Wegovy, Foundayo, and Zepbound all fall under the GLP-1 umbrella, Zepbound is unique in that it also targets another hormone called GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)
Yet protein purification and sequencing is a lengthy processbiochemical isolations from gut tissue also yield relatively small amounts of protein, making it difficult to study the function of these molecules in the lab
For Hashimoto's patients, it is particularly concerning because muscle mass directly influences basal metabolic rate, which is already compromised by thyroid dysfunction
Together, these medications help reduce the desire for food as a coping mechanism and diminish the automatic pull toward snacks or sweets during stressful moments
Before starting GLP-1 medications: Ensure you've had a recent diabetic eye screening (within the past 12 months) Discuss your retinopathy status with your prescribing clinician If you have known retinopathy, consider ophthalmology review before initiation Understand that gradual dose titration may help avoid very rapid changes in blood glucose, which is a general principle in diabetes management During treatment: Attend all scheduled diabetic eye screening appointments without fail If you have pre-existing retinopathy, your diabetes team may consider more frequent monitoring based on your individual clinical situation Control blood pressure to target levels (below 140/90 mmHg, or below 130/80 mmHg if you have kidney, eye or cerebrovascular damage, if tolerated) [13] Maintain good overall glycaemic control whilst avoiding excessively rapid HbA1c reductions when possible Stop smoking if applicable, as tobacco significantly worsens diabetic eye disease Manage cholesterol levels according to NICE guidance for cardiovascular risk reduction Communicate openly with your healthcare team about any visual symptoms, even if they seem minor
