05/29/2026
GLP-1 and Ulcerative Colitis
*This is by no means diagnosis or medical advice. It is just my experience on Wegovy and having ulcerative colitis. *
Well, I am proud to say that I have lost 23 lbs. on Wegovy over the last 10 months. I worked with my physician and kept close eye on my weight, how much protein I was consuming, exercising, water intake, etc. I've had ulcerative colitis since I was 17 years old. It is no picnic! First rule of thumb... talk to your gastoenterologist about the possible side effects from a GLP-1 like Wegovy.
Understanding the Concern
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It changes the way the gut and pancreas respond to food. It slows down how quickly the stomach empties, helps control blood sugar, and reduces appetite. These actions are very useful in type 2 diabetes and obesity. But they also mean semaglutide often causes side effects in the digestive tract, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine and re**um. Common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood in the stool, and weight loss. Because some of semaglutide’s side effects look similar to UC symptoms, patients and even doctors may worry that the medicine could “trigger” the disease.
I did have what I thought was a flare up from my colitis but it "could" have been from the side effects of the Wegovy. Very hard to tell because the side effects very much resemble a flare up with UC.
Best advice for those with UC-- talk with your doctor to see what your options are with a weight loss GLP-1.
