Doctors Warn Weight-Loss Drugs May Pose Unexpected Risks During Surgery

Millions of Americans are turning to popular weight-loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, making GLP-1 drugs among the fastest-growing prescriptions in the country. While these medications have helped many people manage their weight and improve their overall health, medical experts say patients should be aware of an important consideration before undergoing surgery. According to Dr. Michael Zarrabi, patients taking GLP-1 medications should make sure their healthcare providers and surgical teams know they are using the drugs before any procedure involving anesthesia.

The concern stems from the way GLP-1 medications work in the body. In addition to helping regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite, these drugs can slow the rate at which the stomach empties. As a result, food may remain in the stomach longer than expected, even after patients have followed standard fasting instructions before surgery. "When a patient undergoes anesthesia, having food or liquid remaining in the stomach can increase the risk of aspiration, a potentially serious complication in which stomach contents enter the lungs," Dr. Zarrabi explained. Experts say the issue is not limited to a small group of patients. Anyone taking a GLP-1 medication should discuss it with their physician, anesthesiologist, and surgeon before a procedure. As use of these medications continues to grow, healthcare providers are seeing more cases where patients do not realize their weight-loss prescription is relevant to their surgical care.

Doctors emphasize that patients should never stop taking prescribed medications on their own. Instead, individuals scheduled for surgery should consult their healthcare team well in advance of their procedure. Depending on the medication, dosage, and type of surgery, physicians may recommend temporarily adjusting treatment plans or providing additional preoperative instructions. One of the biggest misconceptions, experts say, is that weight-loss medications have no impact outside of appetite control and weight management. In reality, their effects on digestion can have important implications in a surgical setting. The key takeaway for patients is simple: always disclose all medications, including weight-loss drugs, to your healthcare providers before any surgery or medical procedure.

Medical professionals say open communication can help ensure the safest possible outcome and allow care teams to make appropriate adjustments when necessary.

For more information, patients are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider or surgical team before an upcoming procedure.