Popular weight loss medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy have been associated with higher rates of a potentially serious condition called gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis.
Gastroparesis involves delayed emptying of the stomach contents into the intestines. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bloating, and inability to finish meals.
A new study analyzed insurance claims data and found those taking GLP-1 agonist drugs for obesity or diabetes had double the risk of being diagnosed with gastroparesis compared to non-users.
While the absolute risk remains low at around 1 case per 1,000 person-years, the link is concerning given the rapid rise in use of these medications driven by their impressive weight loss results.
Experts think the drugs’ mechanism of delaying gastric emptying, while helpful for promoting feeling of fullness, may go too far in some patients and lead to gastroparesis.
Those with existing gastrointestinal issues like gastroparesis may want to avoid or use extreme caution with Ozempic and Wegovy. Dehydration from excessive vomiting can become life-threatening.
Regulatory warnings and increased physician screening for high-risk patients starting the weight loss drugs may be warranted based on these new gastroparesis findings.
More research is still needed, but the analysis adds another important potential side effect to monitor with the growing number of GLP-1 agonist prescriptions.
