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For many people, weightloss medication is a helpful way to get a grip on their weight. But using them can come with complaints, such as nausea and diarrhoea. Why is that? And is there anything you can do?
Below you will find a list of common complaints. Keep in mind that complaints can vary depending on which appetite suppressant you use. Do your complaints persist? Then always contact your doctor.
Nausea
Why does this happen?
Many appetite suppressants slow down the emptying of the stomach. Food then stays in your stomach for longer. That is a good thing. As long as your stomach is full, your body does not yet send a signal to your brain to eat again. As a result, you feel less appetite.
However, your body does need to get used to food staying in the stomach for longer and digestion working more slowly. This can bring on nausea, especially when you are just starting with appetite suppressants or increasing the dose.
What can you do?
- Eat smaller portions than you are used to
- Spread your portions across the day
- Choose light meals, such as clear soup, rice, white fish or vegetables
- Take small bites. A bite the size of a dice is perfect
- Chew your food well. The texture should be as soft as apple sauce before you swallow
- Stop eating as soon as you feel full. That moment now comes sooner than you are used to
- Avoid strong smells and take small sips of water throughout the day
Diarrhoea
Why does this happen?
Your digestion is a precise and sensitive system. A change in how much you eat and what you eat can temporarily throw your gut off balance. This can lead to loose stools.
What can you do?
- Eat small portions spread across the day
- Avoid fatty or spicy food
- Drink enough water to replace lost fluids
- Choose light meals, such as clear soup, rice, white fish or vegetables
- Be careful with coffee, alcohol and sweeteners
- Eat fibre. Do not take too much at once, but build it up gradually day by day. And spread your fibre intake across the day too
Constipation
Why does this happen?
When food stays in your body for longer, your body draws more fluid from it than usual. You may also be drinking less than before. As a result, your stools can become harder and you may experience constipation.
What can you do?
- Drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day, even if you do not feel very thirsty
- Eat fibre. Do not take too much at once, but build it up gradually day by day. And spread your fibre intake across the day too
- Keep moving. A daily walk of at least 15 minutes already helps get your bowels going
- Go to the toilet when you feel the urge
Fatigue
Why does this happen?
When you eat less, your body takes in fewer nutrients. Your body can then release less energy. This can leave you feeling tired.
What can you do?
- Choose nutritious food to keep your energy up. Wholegrain products and nuts are good choices!
- Do not skip meals, even if you have little appetite. Even small, nutritious portions help your body's energy level
- Drink enough water
- Keep moving to keep your energy level up. A 15-minute walk already helps
- Take your rest and stick to a consistent sleep routine. Go to bed on time and try to go to sleep and get up at the same time every day
Give your body time
Complaints with appetite suppressants are unpleasant. Your body is busy adjusting to a new situation. By eating small portions, drinking enough, eating nutritious food and staying active, there is a lot you can do yourself to feel better. And if you are ever in doubt? Always contact your doctor.
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This blog was originally written in Dutch and automatically translated using artificial intelligence. As a result, the text may contain minor inaccuracies. You can always report any inaccuracies via our support form here.
