A recent study has shown that those who are taking GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro have a higher risk of facing complications during surgical procedures, some of which could potentially be life threatening.
These medications are prescribed specifically to those who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or obesity to either assist in stabilizing one’s blood glucose levels or assist in weight loss, respectively.
Upon discovery of this new information, Fox News spoke with Dr. Brett Osborn, longevity medicine expert at Senolytix and neurosurgeon, to gain greater insight on the topic.
Dr. Osborn stressed that people who use these kinds of medication should stop taking it at least a week prior to any surgical procedure as they could lead to postoperative ileus, which he explained to be a dysfunction of the intestines after surgery.
He also stated that continuing to take these medications while going through a surgery could “...predispose patients to significant problems, including bowel ischemia (a rare circulatory condition that occurs when blood flow to the intestines is reduced).”
According to Dr. Osborn, the secondary concern among this population of patients is healing.
"Those following a hypocaloric diet, as is the case with patients on GLP-1 agonists, may potentially inhibit healing and recovery from surgery, which requires a caloric surplus, particularly from protein-laden foods," he said.
Proper nutrition is crucial for tissue recovery.GLP-1s can usually be restarted at the next scheduled dose, but should of course be monitored by the patient’s doctor.
The full version of this article was published on Fox News by Melissa Rudy on August 6, 2024
