{"id":634175,"date":"2025-11-04T13:35:04","date_gmt":"2025-11-04T18:35:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=634175"},"modified":"2026-04-17T18:44:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T22:44:25","slug":"zepbound-constipation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/zepbound-constipation\/","title":{"rendered":"Zepbound constipation: What to expect and how to manage it"},"content":{"rendered":"

Zepbound<\/span><\/a> (tirzepatide) is a prescription injectable medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss in adults with obesity or who are overweight with a weight-related medical condition. It is also approved to treat moderate to <\/span>severe obstructive sleep apnea<\/span><\/a> (OSA) in adults with obesity. Like other drugs in its class, the most common side effects of Zepbound affect the digestive system. We\u2019ll explain the relationship between Zepbound and constipation, and what experts might recommend for patients experiencing this symptom.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Can Zepbound cause constipation?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Yes, constipation is one of the most common side effects in people using Zepbound. <\/span>Constipation<\/span><\/a> is when someone has irregular or difficult bowel movements and can be caused by many different factors.<\/span> In clinical trials, about 11%\u201321% of people on Zepbound experienced constipation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMost people have very mild issues with constipation while on tirzepatide, if they have any problems at all,\u201d says <\/span>Jennifer Brown<\/span><\/a>, MD, obesity medicine specialist at MyObesityTeam. In clinical trials, there were no reports of subjects stopping the study because of constipation, even after up to 88 weeks (almost two years) of treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why might Zepbound cause constipation?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Constipation is a common side effect of <\/span>glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s)<\/span>. These drugs work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone produced by the body to <\/span>slow down digestion and reduce appetite<\/span><\/a>. This results in weight loss and weight management, but can also cause constipation because food isn\u2019t moving through the digestive system at the same rate without the medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rekha Kumar<\/span><\/a>, MD, endocrinologist, obesity medicine specialist, and senior medical adviser at Found, explains, \u201cTirzepatide can slow down digestive motility, meaning food moves through the intestines more slowly. That slowing can cause constipation for some patients, especially early in treatment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ashley Koff<\/span><\/a>, RD, Nutrition Director for University of California at Irvine\u2019s Susan Samueli Integrative and Functional Medicine Fellowship, adds that if someone already experiences bloating or has sluggish digestion, they may be at higher risk of constipation with Zepbound. She explains that factors that can increase the chances of constipation include low fiber and water intake, a high protein diet, not being physically active, and taking certain supplements, such as iron.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How long does Zepbound constipation last?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Constipation due to Zepbound can typically improve once your body adapts to your maintenance dose. In clinical trials, most gastrointestinal symptoms from taking Zepbound decreased over time. However, side effects can show up differently for everyone. \u201cIn most cases, constipation is temporary and improves as patients adjust to the medication,\u201d Dr. Kumar says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cConstipation resolves in many patients once they have been on tirzepatide for a couple of months, but others struggle with constipation as long as they remain on the medication,\u201d Dr. Brown adds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other possible Zepbound side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

Constipation is just one common side effect of starting Zepbound. Other possible side effects of Zepbound include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and irritation at the injection site. The most common side effect of Zepbound is <\/span>nausea<\/span><\/a>, reported by 25%\u201328% of patients in clinical trials.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Diarrhea<\/span><\/a> is a possible side effect of Zepbound that\u2019s more common than constipation. In clinical trials, between 19% and 23% of patients reported diarrhea.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tips for reducing and preventing Zepbound constipation<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are ways to reduce and prevent constipation caused by Zepbound, including:<\/span><\/p>\n