GLP-1 agonists linked to adverse gastrointestinal events in weight loss patients

doi:10.1136/bmj.p2330

Paper

GLP-1 agonists linked to adverse gastrointestinal events in weight loss patients

Published Oct 9, 2023 · Elisabeth Mahase

BMJ

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Abstract

The use of glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for weight loss has been linked to an increased risk of pancreatitis, gastroparesis, and bowel obstruction. 1 A research team from the University of British Columbia, Canada, compared non-diabetic patients using GLP-1 agonists—4144 using liraglutide (Saxenda) and 613 using semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy)—with 654 people taking the weight loss agent bupropion-naltrexone. The results, published in a short research letter in JAMA , showed that the use of GLP-1 agonists was associated with increased risk of pancreatitis (adjustedhazardratio,9.09[95%confidenceinterval, 1.25to66.00]),bowelobstruction(HR,4.22[95%CI, 1.02to17.40]),andgastroparesis(HR,3.67[95%CI, 1.15to11.90])butnotbiliarydisease(HR,1.50[95% CI,0.89to2.53]),whencomparedwith bupropion-naltrexone. The incidence of biliary disease was higher for liraglutide (18.6 per 1000 person years), compared with semaglutide (11.7) and bupropion-naltrexone (12.6). For pancreatitis, incidence was 7.9 for liraglutide, 4.6 for semaglutide, and 1.0 for bupropion-naltrexone. “Given

Study Snapshot

Key takeawayGLP-1 agonists for weight loss are associated with increased risks of pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, and gastroparesis, but not biliary disease, compared to bupropion-naltrexone.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

GLP-1 agonists linked to adverse gastrointestinal events in weight loss patients

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