People using Ozempic have been discussing a rather explosive issue in the weight loss world, commonly referred to as ‘Ozempic poo’.
With Novo Nordisk’s recent decision to reduce the price of its weight loss medication Wegovy and its diabetes treatment Ozempic, accessing these drugs has become more straightforward for those who qualify.
Despite this, users of Ozempic are experiencing an unpleasant side effect, prompting many to seek guidance online, making it an important issue to note.
There have been numerous accounts of how Ozempic may affect the body in various ways.
Affecting areas such as Ozempic vulva, Ozempic penis, Ozempic butt, and its frequent gastrointestinal discomfort, the drug presents a wide spectrum of potential impacts.
For some individuals, this means they find themselves unable to avoid ‘s**tting’ the bed.
“Any advice for not s**tting in the bed while sleep?’ inquired one Reddit user, as this phenomenon has been labeled the ‘sleep s**ts’ on social platforms.”
The frustrated Ozempic user described it as ‘the most annoying side effect’ and shared their struggle with bed accidents for the past ‘couple months’ since starting the semaglutide.
Another commenter noted it ‘also has an anti-constipating effect’ on them, leading to instances where they nearly soil the bed and need to ‘switch out pants’.
While some experience constipation when using the GLP-1, others empathized and one user recommended wearing ‘diapers’ to bed as a temporary measure.
Another suggested the issue is an ‘extreme’ side effect warranting a discussion with a doctor, and advised avoiding greasy foods and large meals.
So, what is the cause?
Wegovy’s prescribing information states that 30 percent of participants in its clinical trials reported diarrhea, and 24 percent experienced constipation.
Some people also noted similar symptoms while taking a placebo.
Ozempic, although approved for managing type 2 diabetes and not for weight loss, lists both constipation and diarrhea as common side effects.
Dr. Daniel Rosen, a weight loss specialist, explained in a TikTok video that the symptoms could stem from the body’s alert mechanism.
“When you eat a large meal, there’s something called the gastrocolic reflex, where the stretch in the top of the stomach alerts the very end of the colon and rectum to empty,” Dr. Rosen explained in the video.
He mentioned that GLP-1 medications might ‘trick your brain into thinking that food has arrived at the end of the intestines’, triggering the need to defecate.
Dr. Eric Goldstein, a New York City-based gastroenterologist, informed Insider that the condition might also result from liquid stool bypassing constipation or from excessive laxative use to address bathroom issues.
Regardless of the cause, users find themselves in a tricky situation.
UNILAD reached out to Novo Nordisk for comment.