Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic May Make Surgery More Risky

Patients Who Are On Weight Loss Drugs Need to Drop Them in the Days Before Surgery

People Who Take Blockbuster Drugs Like Wegovy or Ozempic for Weight Loss May Face Life-Threatening Complications If They Undergo Surgery

Patients who take popular drugs for weight loss such as Ozempic or Wegovy may be at an increased risk of life-threatening complications if they undergo surgery, according to a new study.

The study, which was published in the journal JAMA Surgery, found that patients who took GLP-1 agonists, a class of drugs that includes Ozempic and Wegovy, were more likely to develop serious complications after surgery, including pancreatitis, kidney failure, and death.

The risk of complications was highest in patients who took GLP-1 agonists within 30 days of surgery. However, the risk was also increased in patients who took the drugs more than 30 days before surgery.

The researchers say that their findings suggest that patients who are planning to undergo surgery should stop taking GLP-1 agonists at least 30 days before the procedure.

GLP-1 agonists are a relatively new class of drugs that have been approved for the treatment of obesity. The drugs work by increasing the levels of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps to regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.

Ozempic and Wegovy are two of the most popular GLP-1 agonists on the market. These drugs have been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight, but they can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The new study is the first to examine the link between GLP-1 agonists and surgical complications. The researchers say that their findings are important because they suggest that patients who are planning to undergo surgery should be aware of the potential risks of taking GLP-1 agonists.