Hey, Dr. Ken Brown here.

If you’re taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, or another GLP-1, I want you to be aware of something that does not get talked about enough.

I’m not here to scare you or tell you to stop your medication. That’s a conversation between you and the doctor who prescribed it.

But I do want you to understand this: these medications can slow your digestion down. For some people, that’s when the bloating, constipation, reflux, nausea, or “food just sits there” feeling starts showing up.

So here are four simple things you can do to protect your gut:

First, listen to your gut early. If your stomach feels different since starting the medication, don’t brush it off. More bloating, fewer bowel movements, new reflux, or feeling full for hours are all signs worth paying attention to.

Second, make your meals easier to handle. You may already be eating less, but a slower gut can still struggle with heavy meals. Eat slower, keep portions comfortable, and be careful with greasy foods or late-night meals.

Third, help your gut keep moving. Sip water throughout the day, take a short walk after meals when you can, and add fiber gently. Don’t go from zero fiber to a giant salad and wonder why you feel like a parade balloon.

Fourth, don’t wait on constipation. If you’re skipping days, straining, or feeling backed up, bring it up with your healthcare provider early. It’s much easier to stay ahead of it than to dig yourself out once you’re miserable.

And one important thing: if you have severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, you can’t keep fluids down, your belly is swollen and you’re not passing stool or gas, or you notice black or bloody stool, please get medical help right away.

Bottom line: you don’t need to panic. You just need a plan.