The rise in popularity of weight loss medications like Ozempic has sparked a lot of buzz - and not all of it is positive.
While many are flocking to the injection for its potential benefits, some side effects are causing users to second guess their decision.
Among the more bizarre reactions to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) injections is something users have started calling "Ozempic poo." And as you can imagine, it’s not exactly a pleasant experience.
What is Ozempic Poo?
As the name might suggest, "Ozempic poo" isn’t something you'd want to experience. Alongside other strange side effects tied to GLP-1 injections, such as "Ozempic penis" and "Ozempic teeth," "Ozempic poo" has been described as the most unpleasant consequence, per Business Insider.
This particular side effect doesn’t involve any magical transformations like turning your bathroom trips into piles of gold.
In fact, it’s the complete opposite - leading to some, unfortunately, dealing with unexpected and uncontrollable bowel movements.
While President Donald Trump played a significant role in bringing weight loss drugs like Ozempic into the spotlight, the surge in their use has also made the side effects more noticeable.
As the price of these injections drops and more alternatives hit the market, people are increasingly using them in hopes of shedding pounds or potentially reversing signs of liver damage.
However, it’s not all good news, as other studies have linked GLP-1 drugs to more serious issues like pancreatitis.
Users Share Their Ozempic Poop Nightmares
One of the most troubling aspects of Ozempic use is what users describe as "s**tting the bed."
Over on Reddit, one user shared their frustrations, asking: “Any advice for not s**tting in the bed while sleep?”
The original poster (OP) explained that they had been struggling with this uncomfortable issue for months, calling it "the most annoying side effect." And honestly, who could blame them?
The Reddit thread quickly became a place for others to share similar experiences.
One commenter offered some advice: "That’s an extreme side effect. You should talk to your doctor. Do not eat any greasy foods or complicated carbohydrates. Eat small amounts. Don’t eat after seven. You can become extremely dehydrated. Good luck."
Another user expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension: “This week was my third shot. Things I’m looking forward to: 1. Lowering my A1C. Second week on this subreddit. Things I’m not looking forward to: 1. Having my hair fall out. 2. S**tting the bed. In no particular order.”
However, not everyone shares the same experience. Some reported the opposite problem, experiencing constipation instead of diarrhea.
One user shared: “Yeah I’m s**tting rocks so I can’t relate.” Meanwhile, others suggested more drastic solutions, with one person even recommending diapers to manage the issue.
The Science Behind Ozempic Poo
If you’re wondering what exactly causes this uncomfortable side effect, Dr. Daniel Rosen, a weight loss doctor, took to TikTok to provide an explanation.
According to Dr. Rosen, the gastrocolic reflex could be responsible. "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," he explained.
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are designed to suppress appetite and help with weight loss, can "trick your brain into thinking that food has arrived at the end of the intestines."
This may explain why some users experience the urgent need to go to the bathroom unexpectedly, leading to the dreaded "Ozempic poo."