Tirzepatide and Constipation: What Users Say

• Sen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am an African American female, 58 years old, 5’8” tall, weighed an unbelievable 270 lbs on 12/30/22. I asked my doctor if I could take this medication, and now here we are, 8 weeks later. I currently weigh 244.6 lbs. I lost 16 lbs in the first 3 weeks. I was extremely shocked and a little worried. My health is a constant concern, I suffer from chronic allergies, and frequently took steroid shots to manage the problem, which brought on weight gain. I am feeling better about myself. I am honestly trying to make this a life change. As for the first day after each shot, I am exceptionally tired, and I experienced redness at the injection site once. I'm not sure why, but so far so good. No headaches, no vomiting, just slight constipation. I am attempting to make this a life change with better food selections and exercise regimens to keep me on track."

• Ava...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have learned to manage side effects (constipation) with probiotics. This is the only thing that has allowed me to lose the weight I gained post-menopause. I was a size 22 and am now almost a size 10. My BMI went from 39 to just over 30, and I have about 25 more pounds to go. I lost 45 pounds currently. I am no longer taking medication for migraines, asthma, and chronic edema, and my BP medication has been reduced by half."

• TBe...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 1, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in July 2022 and weighed 206 lbs. 63 years old and 5'3. It is now March 2023 and I now weigh 130 lbs. The Mounjaro eliminated the desire to eat. I never felt hungry and nothing sounded good, so it was easy to make myself eat only very light meals, more like snacks of fruit, throughout the day. When I say 'make myself' eat I am being literal and could easily have gone without eating at all, but know that isn't healthy. I have experienced a little hair loss, likely due to a lack of nutrients, but it is now growing back. There is an adjustment period to the oddity of food no longer being appealing. No cravings or temptations at all. I believe tirzepatide is the most amazing weight loss medication ever made. I had no side effects other than mild constipation, but nothing that dried prunes couldn't cure. I had tried Ozempic quite some time before the Mounjaro, but the side effects of fatigue and nausea prevented me from continuing."

• TGM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2023

"Was prescribed 2.5, 8 weeks ago, for weight loss. Had never heard of this drug. No issue giving the injection. I was excited to be taking this after research. Have lost a total of 43 lbs and dropped several sizes. This drug has been a miracle for me. I’ve struggled with weight for my entire life and have gained/lost 80+ many times. Never have I had anything to take away my desire to eat like this. Food tastes totally different. Even morning coffee doesn’t taste good anymore. I am thrilled with the results. Sometimes I do have a slight headache and constipation was terrible the 1st week but subsided. In 3 days, I start on the 5 dosage. For me, a slight headache is worth the weight I’ve lost and the lack of hip pain now that I’ve lost the weight. I’ve gone from a size 24 to a 16. I am a 60-year-old female, 5’2”, current weight 198 - want to lose another 35-40 and will be content for my age. I feel happy and healthy! I take a multivitamin every day. Had lab work on 12/06/22 - perfect!"

• Fem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 1, 2022

"Lost 5 lbs in one week. First 2 days after injection, I am spacey & can't think clearly; just feel a little odd mentally. Also, EXTREMELY tired/run-down feeling. Otherwise, mild headache & constipation the rest of the week. Overall, would say it's worth it as I no longer binge or even eat much. Never in my life did I think I could stop obsessing over food and dieting. Maybe one day this drug could be reverse-engineered for anorexia or bulimia. Definitely took care of that awful desire and craving to eat all day and night."

• 60y...
• March 22, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Mounjaro since Jan. 2023. I have lost 20 pounds. I need to lose 20 more. Side effects: burping, stomach upset, constipation, flu-like body aches, mildly depressed feeling, and fatigue. Not every day, not every symptom every day, and not all day. It comes and goes. I will continue but do wonder how it’s gonna go long term. I’m just sick of being fat."

• Jav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "This is my 2nd time posting. Was on Trulicity in the past & now Mounjaro 5mg, 7.5mg & bumped to 12.5. Effects for me are minimal & not bad, at all. Some days the acid reflux or constipation is bad, but it's not way off the charts & is manageable. One thing I noticed, as my doctor progressed me up the ladder to higher doses of Mounjaro...the weight loss is amp'ing up. Gradually starting to lose more per week than when on lower doses. Also, on 5 mg & 7.5mg, I noticed on days 1-4, I wasn't hungry AT ALL & knew that I needed to eat; therefore, I thought of food as FUEL, not just tasty & I made better/healthier choices. Now, on 12.5mg, I find days 1-5 or 6....I'm not hungry at all & still making better food choices, because I have to make myself eat. The 'in between meals snacking' has totally GONE AWAY. This drug has been a miracle for me, as my Thyroid Hashimoto's has caused so much weight gain w/the slower metabolism & I couldn't lose any weight until Mounjaro. It's a blessing!"

• cer...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 3, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started last January at 268 pounds, 5 ft 7 in, morbidly obese, could barely walk because of breathlessness and back pain. One year later, I'm down to 159 pounds and have never been healthier. The only side effect I've had from this medication is really bad constipation, which requires a laxative a couple of times per week. This med works so well when you are in a deficit and working out, it makes you full really quickly too. Nothing ever worked for me in the past, but my whole lifestyle has changed for the better since being on this med."

• Fra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on the lowest dosage of Zepbound for about 3-4 months. I’ve lost 22-25 pounds. No, I haven’t increased the time spent exercising. But I am no longer hungry and stuffing junk food into my mouth. My tongue hasn’t forgotten it loves Snickers, but I am able to grab apples and be content. My nephrologist put me on it as I do have kidney disease, I was in the obese range, and I was prediabetic. It’s expensive ($400 per month), but I feel better about myself, and so it’s worth it to me. I was the fat kid in my family and have never been a thin and beautiful person. But Zepbound has given me higher self-esteem because it’s doing what it’s supposed to do… help me to shed weight in a healthy way. I do sometimes experience constipation, then a giant diarrhea round, but I feel good most of the time. I have no other side effects and have been pleased with the assistance Zepbound has given me. Thank you, Lilly Pharma!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 29, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Update on my review from May 25, 2024. I have now been on Zepbound for 16 weeks. Current dosage 10 mg. In these 16 weeks, I have lost 40 pounds, from 204 lb to 164 lb, and my waist size has gone from 40 inches to 36 inches. For context, I am 5'10' tall. Even more incredibly, my blood pressure has decreased from 195/90 to an average of 116/60 as of today. I have more energy and am running regularly 5 days per week. I am also sleeping better, which I think comes from a lessening of sleep apnea symptoms. The only remarkable side effect has been occasional constipation, which is relieved by Miralax. With not only weight loss but improvement in other health measures, I consider my Zepbound treatment to be quite successful!"

• Vik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am in the 3rd week of using Mounjaro on a 2.5 dosage. I have lost 12 lbs already in the first 2 weeks. My starting weight was 18 stone and I am now 17.2 stones. The only side effect was constipation, but I have used laxatives to help. My cravings for food have totally disappeared. This is a game changer for me. I have struggled with my weight since I was a teenager, and since reaching menopause, this got worse. I was a comfort food eater, but now I have no cravings whatsoever. It is easy to inject. I am continuing with Mounjaro, and I am hoping I may finally lose my excess weight for good."

• GWP...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 2, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "In 2023, I began taking Mounjaro and went from the 2.5 dosage to 10. I lost almost 40 pounds and then couldn't get it anymore! I put on 22 pounds in about 6 weeks! When Mounjaro became available again, I started again and lost that 22 pounds plus 50 more pounds for a total of 72 pounds. I have NEVER had a single side effect and have used EMMA for any constipation (but I've always had trouble with constipation anyway!). My goal was to get to 125 pounds and then gain back 5 pounds because all my life I've heard that it's a good thing to do to fill out your face. It may be just an old wives' tale, but I now weigh 127 and that's my plan. I guess I should tell my age so that older individuals who have suffered from the highs and lows of dieting and never being successful long-term will realize that we too can lose weight and keep it off. 84."

• My ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started 10/26. Weight 245, female. 2.5 1x, 5, 1x, 10mg, last 2 months. Current 214. Zero exercise unfortunately. I have read so many reviews and I am baffled at all these bad side effects, since mine were so minor (except constipation and tiredness day after injection). Learned early, no sugar, breads, or pasta/potato. I take no other meds, do a strict low carb and fast. I have a protein shake at noon, a meat and a LC veg for dinner (small portion always), then freeze a protein shake for two hours and it makes ice creamish. Delish! That’s all I eat daily. Hunger is now fully controllable! My A1C started at 6.7, BUT I was on low carb for 6 weeks prior to blood work so likely much higher in general. Last week's blood test showed A1C at 5.0. My ALT SGPT (liver) was high last test, and normal range this time. What did go up were my top 4 CBC numbers. Overall, this is a game changer. So grateful. I truly believe eating right is the key when on this med. Hope this helps someone."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2022

"I started Mounjaro on July 1, 2022. I just turned 74 and was at the end of my rope with my obesity. I immediately developed a sour stomach/nausea and heartburn. But the wonderful side effect of having no appetite and not obsessing about food EVERY WAKING MOMENT was worth it. I still enjoy food, just eat less than half what I used to and no snacking. I lost 30 pounds in 2 months. I take one more injection (totally painless and easy to give) of 7.5 mg and then move up to 10 mg. My worst problem is terrible constipation. I’m working on it by using Colace, etc. but haven’t solved it completely. Since I’m on Medicare, I am paying THOUSANDS of dollars for this drug. So my savings account is decreasing but so is my weight. If I can afford it, I hope to stay on Mounjaro for one year. I still go to Weight Watchers and live by their eating plan which is very healthy."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2022

"Started with 2.5, been on it nearly three weeks, anticipated side effects but other than mild constipation, I experienced none. My appetite was nonexistent, had to remember to eat. Night eating gone, overeating gone, strong cravings gone. Injection easy peasy. Coupon only way I could afford this med (25/mo versus over 1k/mo). No feeling weird like stimulants, just pretty normal. I'm pairing with intermittent fasting per my GP and trying to incorporate intuitive eating as much as possible. I am not counting calories or weighing myself but I am likely down 5-10# in 2 weeks combo of water weight and loss. Bloat gone, body feels good, excited to see if this keeps working this well."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am 6ft and started at 213lbs. Blood sugars were a little elevated and I could see they were headed in the wrong direction. I also have severe sleep apnea. I started at 7.5 and just finished my fourth week. This drug is amazing. I’m down 24 lbs in 28 days. Lost 4 lbs last week. Current weight is 189lb. Goal is 175lb. I check my blood sugar 2 or 3 times a day. My highest reading was 101 about an hour after eating. Most readings in the low 80s which is perfect. I couldn’t have asked for more from this drug. Side effects are constipation (drink lots of water) and tired the day after the shot. I’ve been slightly overweight my entire life. I hope to lose this weight and then see if the sleep apnea goes away. Life changing."

• Amb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was on Mounjaro for 3 months for weight loss, starting weight 180 lbs. I increased to the next dosage every month. I had minimal side effects besides constipation and lost a total of 28 lbs. I did not wing off the medication, and everything went fine. I did blood work last week, and everything was perfect compared to the year before. My weight has been steady thanks to the healthy habits I built during the medication."

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I’m a 6’4", 275-pound male, 62 years old - no diabetes or health issues, on no other meds. Obtained prescription via Dr. and took the first 2.5 mg injection on Dec. 24. Lost 10 pounds with the first 3 shots, then Dr. said I could go to 5 mg (saved the last 2.5 mg pen for future use) because weight loss had stopped. After starting 5 mg, lost 2 pounds in 2 days - so combined weight loss using 2.5/5 mg is now at 12 pounds in six weeks! No significant or terrible side effects except some constipation, intermittent fatigue, and minor chills at times (not a lot - could just be the cold weather). I've yo-yoed up and down with weight for years. Because of my size, I can eat a lot of food - but this drug has significantly reduced my appetite, and I have more energy overall. I can’t wait to see the results in a few more months. Zepbound has so far been perfect for me. I don’t mind the $550 price (with the Lilly savings card - has been hard to get CVS to make it work, but that’s another story/nightmare)."

• Pen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started taking Mounjaro on 9/1. This resulted in the very worst month of my life. WEEK ONE - Super Nauseous, indigestion, stomach pain for 3-4 days of the first week. My appetite went from a 10 to a 2 (which was good). WEEK TWO - I had diarrhea for 3-4 days, along with sulfur belches, nausea, stomach pain. I ended up having to take sick days and go get an IV bag to recover from the dehydration. WEEK THREE - World-class nausea and vomiting. 3 days of vomiting so hard that I ruptured my esophagus. The entire month, if I was not having diarrhea, I was VERY constipated. I lost 9 lbs in one month, but I don't know if it was because I could barely eat due to the sickness. PASS!!"

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Mounjaro for just two weeks. I've lost 5 pounds without trying. While that's nice, I am posting a very early review to let other newbies know that other than some indigestion the first two days, I haven't had any side effects. I had major constipation on Ozempic. I find taking a daily stool softener, staying hydrated, taking a Metamucil tablet daily, and taking a daily prebiotic (get the refrigerated one in your pharmacy as it has live cultures. Keep it refrigerated!). I'm on 5 mg, but I am moving up to 7.5 next week. I will go to 10 mg if there is no supply of 7.5. My pharmacist said to get my order for the 7.5 mg in at least 7 days early so they can get it in on time. They don't stock it, but they get it overnight. Just FYI, after using Ozempic and Mounjaro, I weigh less than I did 10 years ago. I've gone down 4 sizes and 4 inches off my waist since Christmas! Now a petite XL rapidly headed to petite L."

• foo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been on this medication for 6 weeks and have never felt better about my body or my day. I didn't realize I could have a day where I wasn't thinking about food from the minute I got up until I fell asleep at night. I feel free to think about other things and to not be distracted by trying to have willpower to not eat. It's a huge relief. Is this what thin people feel like? People who have never struggled with being overweight? I have always thought my weight was based on my genetics, and maybe it is-but it's also my brain that literally is addicted to food. It feels like I've been released from an addiction. I haven't noticed any side effects. I tried Ozempic before this and was very constipated and had stomach issues. I don't feel that way at all on Zepbound, my stomach is fine. I'm on 2.5, it's very easy to administer, and I feel like it really works. I hope I'm able to take it for a long time, I'm sort of afraid to go back to the brain I had before taking it."

• Sho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This medication is incredible. My cholesterol and blood pressure were borderline. My doctor suggested losing weight (I have had a weight problem my entire life), which was an ongoing life pursuit for me. Nothing lasted. I would end up feeling worthless and depressed. I started this medication in January 2023. Today is April 25th, and I have lost 36 pounds. My blood pressure is on its way down. My energy levels were stable throughout the day from week one, so it is not just the weight loss, the medicine has helped with my ADHD and my depression. The only side effect I have experienced was constipation, which I corrected by using small dosages of Miralax daily. I hope the FDA approves this medication for weight loss soon. It is a great tool to use along with healthy eating and exercise."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "This is my 2nd post, I am on 7.5 mg of Mounjaro, and I have loved every moment of this journey. I was 243 lbs and lost 49 lbs so far since October 2022. I also eat a healthy diet and exercise. Stay hydrated because my side effects are dry mouth and constipation. I did, however, find out that if you eat carbs, sugar, or fried food, you will get nauseous and possibly throw up. Lesson learned. Stick to protein, vegetables, and fruit. I need to lose 34 more lbs to be at my ideal weight. I am still excited to be on this journey."

• JWa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Zepbound was effective within the first week. I experienced a significant decrease in hunger and decreased interest in food. I also found that I could not always finish a meal serving in one sitting. Initially, I had minor issues in bowel habits (constipation and diarrhea). Both symptoms are minor and managed with adequate hydration and fiber-rich foods. More disconcerting have been the “egg burps” caused by bacterial action on sulfur-rich foods in a slowed GI system. I have selected less sulfur-rich foods and make a concerted effort to drink more water during a day or two following the weekly injection. This side effect seems to have moderated, perhaps as I am into the second month of my current dosage and third month on Zepbound and/or temporarily minimizing sulfurous food intake in a short period following injection. I also track my food intake and assure I am eating an adequate level of protein. I have lost 15 pounds in 10 weeks. I am 77 and a woman."

• CJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 1, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started 3 months ago with the 2 ml, then 5, and now 7.5. I have been nauseous every single day for those 3 months. I have been constipated almost every week. I finally am able to go. I noticed that after the injection, I vomit every time the next day. I am 5'7 and weighed 233. I am now 209. The nausea is sometimes unbearable. I feel like not taking this medicine. Everyone's body is different."