Posted By Author on July 3, 2025
By now, your vocabulary likely includes the weight loss drug that swept through celebrity circles and red carpet events to become one of the most talked-about topics in the past few years: Ozempic.
Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide, is a weekly injection that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for use in adults with type 2 diabetes. While its main goal was to help the pancreas produce more insulin, it became more commonplace to use it for its side effect–weight loss.
As Ozempic made its mark in the realm of weight loss, it also became a prevalent force in a number of gastrointestinal conditions.
Is there a connection between semaglutide and diverticulitis? Can it trigger a flare-up of the digestive condition? Keep reading to find out!
What is Diverticulitis?
Diverticulitis is a digestive condition where small pockets in the large intestine, called diverticula, become inflamed or infected. The exact cause of why the diverticula become inflamed is unknown, though ongoing research suggests that it could be related to changes in the gut microbiome or chronic inflammation.
Symptoms of Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis symptoms range in severity. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and can progress into more serious complications.
Symptoms of diverticulitis may include:
If left untreated, diverticulitis can develop into severe, potentially life-altering conditions. Complications may include intestinal perforation or obstruction, fistula, phlegmon, or an abscess.
Can Ozempic Cause a Diverticulitis Flare-Up?
On its own, up to 1 in 2 people may experience recurring diverticulitis flare-ups. However, with Ozempic, is there a greater risk for flare-ups or worsening symptoms?
Maybe.
Semaglutide falls into a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. The primary role of this class of drugs is to essentially mimic the feelings of fullness after eating by delaying gastric emptying. While this is helpful in influencing insulin production, it can prove disastrous for your digestive health.
Gastrointestinal side effects of using semaglutide are similar to those experienced in a diverticulitis flare-up, among other GI conditions: constipation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Research is still ongoing as to the complications of using semaglutide while having diverticulitis symptoms, but one thing remains clear: it is an approach that requires caution.
Is Semaglutide Right for You and Your GI Tract?
Deciding if semaglutide is the right choice for you will vary from person to person, especially regarding your GI tract.
While we don’t yet know the full implications of Ozempic on your GI tract or its role in furthering diverticulitis symptoms and flare-ups, we do understand the importance of a healthy gut microbiome and GI tract.
With help from our team of digestive health specialists, we will assess your current diverticulitis symptoms and GI tract health, and determine on an individual basis if semaglutide is a worthwhile endeavor.
With ongoing monitoring and care, we will work with you to ensure that your GI is receiving the care it needs and helping you learn to trust your gut when it comes to outside factors.
Considering Ozempic With an Uncertain GI Tract? We Can Help
Learning to trust your gut and listen to what it’s telling you can be tricky, especially when what we want is not necessarily what we need.
At Charleston GI, our team of board-certified gastroenterology doctors near you is here to help you make sense of what your gut is telling you and help you find relief and answers.
We have four convenient Charleston area locations to choose from: West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and Carnes Crossroads. Our Charleston GI doctors are ready 5 days a week to offer you relief.
No referral is needed, so schedule your appointment today!
