Injected medications used to treat diabetes and obesity have been linked to an increased risk of a rare but serious side effect: stomach paralysis, according to new real-world data.
At least three recent studies, based on large sets of patient records, indicate that people taking GLP-1 agonists are more likely to be diagnosed with gastroparesis compared to those who do not take these medications.
These studies, which have not yet undergone external expert review or been published in medical journals, were presented at the Digestive Disease Week 2024 conference.
They suggest that GLP-1 agonists, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, are in high demand due to their effectiveness in weight loss.
However, they can also slow stomach function, leading to gastroparesis in some individuals.
While gastroparesis is often temporary and resolves after stopping the medication, some patients report that their symptoms persist long after discontinuing the drug, significantly impacting their quality of life.
In these studies, the risk of gastroparesis was found to be rare but consistently higher among those using GLP-1 medications compared to those who were not. For instance, one study reported a 50% higher risk of developing gastroparesis among patients taking these medications.
Experts caution that while GLP-1 agonists have benefits like weight loss and improved heart health, they may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting, which can sometimes be severe.
The risk of gastroparesis is particularly noteworthy, especially since it was not commonly observed in clinical trials due to insufficient patient numbers.
Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of these findings and to better inform patients and healthcare providers about the potential risks associated with GLP-1 agonists.
