In August of 2023, a personal injury class-action lawsuit was initiated against Novo Nordisk regarding their GLP-1 agonist medications (King and Nigh, 2025). An additional lawsuit was issued on February 25th against the Food and Drug Administration, which allegedly claimed the national shortage of GLP-1 agonist medications is over (Manalac, 2025). Despite the ongoing legal battle that GLP-1 agonists have, they are widely used and prescribed even with the side effects they can cause. It is imperative to stay current with this news if you use GLP-1 agonists or are considering using them. This article is a deep dive into gastroparesis and GLP-1 medications.
It is established that gastroparesis is an unfortunate side effect of GLP-1 medications if taken for weight loss (Sodhi et al., 2023). Gastroparesis can be a symptom of Type 2 Diabetes whether or not you are taking GLP-1 agonists (Mayo Clinic, 2024). Gastroparesis is one of the more severe side effects that GLP-1 agonists can create. Gastroparesis occurs when the muscles of the stomach are too relaxed, trapping food in the stomach, dramatically slowing digestion, and making you feel too full (Mayo Clinic, 2024). The common symptoms of gastroparesis are vomiting, vomiting undigested food, nausea, bloating, acid reflux, blood glucose changes, low appetite, feeling full quickly, and malnutrition (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 2022; Mayo Clinic, 2024).
In addition to GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, other medications and substances can cause gastroparesis. Tricyclic antidepressants, narcotics, lithium, nicotine, marijuana, progesterone birth control, and dopamine agonists can cause gastroparesis (Buch, 2021). If you are taking GLP-1 agonists and any of these additional medications or substances, you are likely at an increased risk of developing gastroparesis. If you have gastroparesis as a result of GLP-1 agonist meds or other causes, lowering the amount of fiber in your diet can help manage symptoms (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 2022). Additionally, avoiding saturated fats and carbonated beverages should help symptoms (Buch, 2021). Some foods that are suitable for gastroparesis include vegetables, yogurt, plant-based fats, grains, and lean proteins (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 2022).
Treatment for gastroparesis can include medications, such as antiemetics, erythromycin (an antibiotic), and antinausea meds (Buch, 2021). Other potential treatments include electric stimulation of the stomach’s muscles, feeding tubes that direct food to the small intestine, and other surgical interventions (Buch, 2021).
It is always best to speak with your gastrointestinal or endocrinology healthcare provider before starting or stopping GLP-1 medications and if you notice any gastroparesis-like symptoms. They will collaborate with you to determine the best possible course of action. As mentioned previously, malnutrition is possible with gastroparesis, thus, it is important to discuss your nutritional needs and health goals with your provider.
Works Cited
Buch, P. (2021, June). Gastroparesis - American College of Gastroenterology. American College of Gastroenterology - Patients; ACG. https://gi.org/topics/gastroparesis/
King, R., & Nigh, D. (2024, May 3). Ozempic Lawsuit - May 2024 Update. King Law; King Law. https://www.robertkinglawfirm.com/personal-injury/ozempic-lawsuit/
Mayo Clinic contributors. (2022, June 11). Gastroparesis - symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic Diseases & Conditions; Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastroparesis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355787
Sodhi, M., Rezaeianzadeh, R., Kezouh, A., & Etminan, M. (2023). Risk of Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Associated with Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss. JAMA, 330(18). JAMA Network. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.19574
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia contributors. (2022, December 21). Food as Medicine: Food Therapy for Gastroparesis. Caring for Your Child; Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. https://www.chop.edu/health-resources/food-medicine-food-therapy-gastroparesis
Tristan Manalac. (2025, February 25). Compounders Sue FDA for Declaring Ozempic, Wegovy Shortage Over. BioSpace; BioSpace. https://www.biospace.com/policy/compounders-sue-fda-for-declaring-ozempic-wegovy-shortage-over
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