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Over the past few years, GLP-1 receptor agonists — medications like semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®), liraglutide (Victoza®), and others — have become household names. These drugs are being prescribed not only for Type 2 diabetes but also increasingly for weight loss, especially for people with obesity. Recent estimates suggest that as many as 12 percent of Americans are now taking GLP-1s.
While the effectiveness of these weight management medications is impressive, they don’t come without side effects — and one of the most overlooked, yet impactful, is dehydration.
As a formulator and researcher with a deep interest in nutrient metabolism and cellular health, I’ve been following this closely. Dehydration is more than just feeling thirsty — it affects every system in the body. And for those on GLP-1 medications, understanding the why behind dehydration is the first step to staying well.
Why Dehydration Happens on GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic a natural hormone in the body that influences insulin release, slows digestion, and promotes a feeling of fullness. But the same mechanisms that make these drugs effective can also cause gastrointestinal side effects such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
All of these symptoms can contribute to lower fluid intake—or increased fluid loss—which is a fast track to dehydration.
And because you’re not just losing water but also critical electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, the effects can compound. Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps, and decreased cognitive performance — none of which help you feel your best while trying to improve your health.
5 Signs You Might Be Dehydrated
People often underestimate how easy it is to get dehydrated — especially when they’re eating less or feeling nauseous. Some common signs of dehydration include:
- Dry mouth or lips
- Headaches
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dark yellow urine
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
If you’re taking a GLP-1 medication and notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to take hydration seriously.
Proactive Steps to Stay Hydrated
Here’s what I recommend to help offset dehydration and keep your electrolyte levels balanced:
- Sip Throughout the Day
Instead of chugging water all at once — which can feel unpleasant when you’re already queasy — try small sips consistently throughout the day.
- Prioritize Electrolytes
When your body loses fluids through vomiting or diarrhea, it loses electrolytes too. Replenishing them is just as important as rehydrating. For some people, the best electrolyte drink for dehydration is the True Grace ElectroMag Electrolyte Stick, which offers a sugar-free option to support hydration.
The most common electrolytes in the body, which are essential for various bodily functions, include sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate.
Sodium helps retain fluids and balance blood pressure.
Potassium supports heart and muscle function.
Magnesium plays a key role in hydration, nerve signaling, and preventing cramps.
Chloride helps regulate the body’s pH and fluid balance by working alongside other electrolytes.
Calcium is essential for bone health, muscle function, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
Phosphate supports bone health, energy production, and the body’s acid-base balance.
Bicarbonate plays a key role in maintaining the body’s acid-base (pH) balance.
- Speak to your Physician
Especially on GLP-1 medications, if you feel dehydrated, it’s critical to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms.
- Eat Electrolyte-Rich Foods
- Bananas, sweet potatoes, and spinach for potassium
- Lightly salted broth or crackers for sodium
- Leafy greens and nuts for magnesium and calcium
These foods are gentle on the stomach and naturally support hydration.
- Limit Dehydrating Substances
Caffeine and alcohol can act as diuretics, increasing fluid loss. If you’re taking a GLP-1 medication, consider cutting back or hydrating extra on the days you indulge.
Why We Formulated ElectroMag™: The Best Electrolyte Drink for Dehydration
We created ElectroMag™ Electrolyte Powder at True Grace for moments exactly like this — when hydration really matters, but sugary sports drinks aren’t the answer. ElectroMag™ Electrolyte Powder delivers a powerful trio of sodium, potassium, and magnesium in clean, effective doses, with zero sugar and nothing artificial.
It also includes organic fruiting body Cordyceps mushrooms — an adaptogenic ingredient that supports energy, endurance, and oxygen uptake. If you’re feeling fatigued or rundown from GLP-1 side effects, Cordyceps may give you the gentle lift you need.
ElectroMag™ mixes easily in water, tastes refreshing, and is designed to help you replenish what your body is losing — without adding anything it doesn’t need.
The Bottom Line
GLP-1 medications can be a powerful tool for improving metabolic health. But they also increase your risk of dehydration — especially in the first few weeks of use. By staying proactive about hydration, consuming electrolyte-rich foods and the best electrolyte drink for dehydration, and being mindful of how your body feels, you can support your body and get the most out of your treatment.
If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms of dehydration or severe side effects, talk to your healthcare provider. Your hydration needs may be higher than you think — and staying on top of it is one of the best things you can do for your health.
It’s important to keep in mind that losing weight also takes diet and lifestyle changes. GLP-1 drugs alone will not keep the body weight off. Work with your healthcare professional on your personalized health plan.
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Jennifer Weinhardt, MS, Nutritional Sciences
Senior Director of Research & Development
True GraceJen Weinhardt is the Senior Director of Research and Development at True Grace, where she leads innovation in health and wellness products with a strong focus on science-backed nutrition. With over 15 years of experience in the dietary supplement and natural products industry, Jen brings a deep understanding of product formulation, regulatory compliance, and ingredient research.
She holds a Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences, which has laid the foundation for her evidence-based approach to product development. Passionate about advancing consumer health through clean, sustainable solutions, Jen is dedicated to driving integrity and transparency in every stage of R&D at True Grace.
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