The JAMA Network article titled "GLP-1 Agonists and Gastrointestinal Adverse Events" investigates the link between glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, medications primarily approved for diabetes but also used for weight loss, and gastrointestinal complications.1 Using a sample from the PharMetrics Plus database (2006-2020), the study compared new users of semaglutide or liraglutide, two GLP-1 agonists, with users of bupropion-naltrexone, a different weight loss drug. The findings revealed that GLP-1 agonist users had a higher risk of pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, and gastroparesis compared to bupropion-naltrexone users. However, there was no significant increase in the risk of biliary disease. Given these drugs' popularity, potential users should be aware of these rare but significant adverse events, especially if considering them for weight loss. The study's limitation includes uncertainty about whether all GLP-1 agonists were exclusively used for weight loss among the sampled users.
Sodhi M, Rezaeianzadeh R, Kezouh A, Etminan M. Risk of Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Associated With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss. JAMA. Published online October 05, 2023. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.19574
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