Staying Hydrated on GLP-1s: Why it Issues Extra Than You Suppose

[ad_1] <img width="800" height="493" src="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/shutterstock_2239226317-1024x631.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" alt="Black female athlete drinking water from bottle outdoors after running workout" decoding="async" srcset="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/shutterstock_2239226317-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/shutterstock_2239226317-300x185.jpg 300w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/shutterstock_2239226317-768x473.jpg 768w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/shutterstock_2239226317-1536x947.jpg 1536w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/shutterstock_2239226317-e1770409931213.jpg 1504w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /> GLP-1 medicines are gaining traction as insurance coverage protection expands and extra folks discover them as a part of their well being journey (11). However whereas entry is bettering, many sufferers aren’t getting the diet steering they should handle frequent uncomfortable side effects, placing them in danger for points like dehydration.

In actual fact, a long time of analysis present that individuals taking GLP-1 medicines could also be extra liable to dehydration, particularly when consumption drops or uncomfortable side effects make it tougher to eat and drink sufficient (2,3).

The excellent news? Staying effectively hydrated is totally doable with the precise methods. Forward, we’ll break down why dehydration can occur on GLP-1 medicines, the indicators to look at for, and easy, sensible suggestions that can assist you keep hydrated and supported each step of the best way.

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Why GLP-1 Drugs Can Enhance Dehydration

GLP-1 medicines work partly by decreasing urge for food, which is an enormous purpose they’re efficient for weight reduction (4). However together with fewer meals cravings, analysis exhibits that some folks taking these medicines may be at greater danger for dehydration and nutrient shortfalls (3,5).

There are a few causes this may occur. First, uncomfortable side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are pretty frequent, particularly early on, and all of those can have an effect on your physique’s fluid stability (9). Second, when meals consumption drops, it’s simple for fluid consumption to fall too. If you happen to’re consuming much less total, you might not really feel as motivated to drink, which may quietly set the stage for dehydration (7).

In additional extreme instances, ongoing fluid loss can pressure the kidneys (8). The excellent news? There are proactive steps you may take to guard your hydration and total well being. Earlier than we dive into these methods, let’s stroll by way of the most typical indicators of dehydration to maintain in your radar.

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Widespread Indicators You Could Be Dehydrated

Your physique is fairly good at sending indicators when your fluid consumption isn’t assembly your wants. Whether or not dehydration is said to GLP-1 uncomfortable side effects or just not consuming sufficient, the warning indicators are likely to look very related (9).

Widespread indicators of delicate dehydration embody (9):

Feeling thirsty

Dry mouth

Complications

Darkish yellow urine

Urinating much less usually than standard

Muscle cramping

If dehydration continues over time, signs can grow to be extra severe. Indicators of extra extreme dehydration embody (9):

Little to no urination, or very darkish yellow or amber-colored urine

Dry, shriveled-looking pores and skin

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Irritability or confusion

Fast heartbeat

Fast respiration

Sunken eyes

Excessive tiredness or listlessness

In extreme instances, shock or lack of consciousness

Recognizing these indicators early may help you're taking motion earlier than dehydration turns into an even bigger situation, particularly should you’re managing uncomfortable side effects from GLP-1 medicines.

How A lot Water Do You Want on GLP-1s?

Fluid wants aren’t one-size-fits-all. How a lot you want will depend on elements like your age, physique measurement, exercise degree, and even the local weather you reside in (10). That’s why it’s essential to work along with your healthcare staff to determine a every day fluid purpose that is smart for you.

On common, analysis printed in JAMA Inside Drugs means that many individuals taking GLP-1 medicines ought to purpose for about 8 to 12 cups of fluids per day (roughly 2 to three liters), together with consuming loads of high-water meals (7). That stated, this quantity continues to be decrease than the final every day water suggestions for adults ages 19 to 30, that are 3.7 liters per day for males and a couple of.7 liters per day for ladies (10).

The largest takeaway? Let your physique information you. Search for gentle, pale-colored urine and common rest room journeys all through the day. Take note of how you're feeling, too. Your power ranges, pores and skin, and total temper can all supply useful clues about whether or not you’re staying adequately hydrated.

<img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fastest-ways-to-rehydrate-1024x683.jpg" alt="Two women drink water to rehydrate after exercise" class="wp-image-63898 size-full" srcset="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fastest-ways-to-rehydrate-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fastest-ways-to-rehydrate-300x200.jpg 300w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fastest-ways-to-rehydrate-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fastest-ways-to-rehydrate.jpg 1350w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> You may additionally like

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Tricks to Keep Hydrated Throughout Your GLP-1 Weight Loss Journey

You don’t want so as to add one other huge process to your psychological to-do record to drink extra water. Staying hydrated might be so simple as constructing small, constant habits into your day. As MyFitnessPal dietitian Katherine Basbaum places it, “Hydration shouldn’t really feel like a chore, make it enjoyable! Attempt including lemon or fruit to your water, use a reusable bottle you truly like, and monitor your fluids within the app. Set a every day purpose, and should you hit it constantly for a few weeks, reward your self with one thing enjoyable, like that new water bottle you’ve been eyeing.”

Attempt these easy tricks to keep hydrated:

Begin your day with water. Drink one cup of water earlier than your morning espresso or tea to set the tone for the day.

Hold water inside attain. Refill a reusable bottle and produce it with you. Sip all through the day as a substitute of gulping unexpectedly.

Eat your fluids, too. Add water-rich meals like cucumbers, watermelon, and broth-based soups to meals and snacks.

Be conscious of caffeine and alcohol. These can contribute to fluid loss, so purpose to restrict them or stability them with further water (12).

Hearken to your physique. In case your urine seems to be darker than standard or your eyes really feel dry, that’s your cue to seize a glass of water.

Small adjustments add up and over time, these habits could make staying hydrated really feel automated.

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="643" src="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/5-Smart-and-Simple-Ways-to-Stay-Hydrated-1024x643.jpg" alt="5 Smart and Simple Ways to Stay Hydrated" class="wp-image-52321 size-full" srcset="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/5-Smart-and-Simple-Ways-to-Stay-Hydrated-1024x643.jpg 1024w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/5-Smart-and-Simple-Ways-to-Stay-Hydrated-300x188.jpg 300w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/5-Smart-and-Simple-Ways-to-Stay-Hydrated-768x482.jpg 768w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/5-Smart-and-Simple-Ways-to-Stay-Hydrated.jpg 1504w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> You may additionally like

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Backside Line

GLP-1 medicines could be a highly effective instrument for weight administration, however in addition they carry distinctive challenges, particularly on the subject of staying hydrated. (4,2). Between uncomfortable side effects that cut back urge for food and fluid consumption, and the physique’s pure indicators that may be simple to overlook, dehydration is an actual concern. (2)

With consciousness and small, constant habits, you may assist your hydration and your total well being. Take note of your physique’s cues, purpose for fluids and water-rich meals all through the day, and make hydration easy and satisfying. Bear in mind, it’s not about an ideal routine, it’s about constructing habits that give you the results you want and retaining your physique fueled in your GLP-1 journey.