Patients who are taking GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and others could face complications during surgery, recent research has shown.

In one study led by UTHealth Houston, more than half of patients taking GLP-1s had “significant gastric contents” before going into surgery, even if they had followed pre-op fasting protocols, according to a press release on the university’s website.

This could lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called pulmonary aspiration, when food or liquid is inhaled into the lungs.

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GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) receptor agonists are commonly prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes (to stabilize blood glucose levels) or obesity (to assist with weight loss).

“These medications slow down digestion, which means food stays in the stomach longer,” said Dr. Alfred Bonati, the founder of the Bonati Spine Institute in Florida.

Pulmonary aspiration can cause severe lung damage, infections or even death, Bonati warned.

“General anesthesia can also cause nausea, and the slowed digestion from weight-loss meds can exacerbate this, leading to a higher risk of vomiting during surgery,” he said.

“These medications slow down digestion, which means food stays in the stomach longer.”

Dr. Brett Osborn, a board-certified neurosurgeon and section chief at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Florida, always advises his patients who are taking GLP-1 agonists to stop the medication at least one week before a surgical procedure, he said. 

In addition to aspiration, Osborn warned of the increased risk of postoperative ileus, a dysfunction of the intestines after surgery.

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) receptor agonists are commonly prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes, to stabilize blood glucose levels — or patients with obesity, to assist with weight loss. (iStock)

“This could predispose patients to significant problems, including bowel ischemia (a rare circulatory condition that occurs when blood flow to the intestines is reduced),” he told Fox News Digital.

Healing is a secondary concern among patients taking GLP-1s, according to Osborn. 

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“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, Osborn said.

Proper nutrition is essential to healing after surgery, a doctor said. (iStock)

“By inducing a relative state of malnutrition, these medications can be problematic in perioperative patients.”

Dr. Jean-Carlos Jimenez, medical director at Attune Med Spa in Connecticut, agreed that these medications can lead to complications during surgery.

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“GLP-1 agonists can cause nausea, vomiting and something known as delayed gastric emptying, or gastroparesis — which means the stomach takes longer than usual to empty its contents into the small intestines,” he told Fox News Digital via email.

“Residual gastric content can increase the risk of pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia and potentially worsen post-operative recovery.”

Surgery is known to alter blood sugar levels due to stress from the procedure, a doctor noted. (iStock)

Surgery is also known to alter blood sugar levels due to stress from the procedure, Jimenez added.

Due to these risks, doctors agree that patients should review all the medications they’re taking with their surgeon and anesthesiologist. 

For surgical procedures that require patients to fast or remain on a clear liquid diet, they may need to do this for a longer period of time, said Jimenez.

“The timing of when to stop will depend on the type of GLP-1 agonists a patient uses, but can range from holding the daily dose on the day of surgery to holding the scheduled weekly dose one week before a planned procedure,” he told Fox News Digital.

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GLP-1s typically can be restarted at the next scheduled dose, but should be carefully monitored by the doctor, he advised.

The timing can depend on the type of surgery and the patient’s overall condition, according to Bonati.

Due to the risks, doctors say patients should review all their medications with the surgeon and anesthesiologist.  (iStock)

“It’s crucial to follow the instructions provided by the health care providers, as they will tailor the advice to your individual health needs and the specifics of your surgery,” he added.

In June 2023, the American Society of Anesthesiologists published an announcement warning of the risks and recommending that patients consider pausing their doses in the days or weeks leading up to an elective surgical procedure.

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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology has issued a similar recommendation.

Fox News Digital contacted Novo Nordisk, maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, requesting comment.

Certain types of cancers are more prevalent among Gen X and millennials, according to a new study led by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

The study, published in the journal The Lancet Public Health, analyzed data from over 23 million patients who were diagnosed with 34 different types of cancer over two decades.

The patients ranged in age from 25 to 84, representing multiple generations.

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Researchers found that the prevalence of small intestine cancer, kidney cancer and pancreatic cancer was two to three times higher in those born in 1990 than those born in 1955 for both males and females, and for liver cancer in females, according to an ACS press release.

Rates were also higher among younger groups for breast cancer (estrogen-receptor positive), uterine cancer, colorectal cancer, non-cardia gastric cancer, gallbladder cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, anal cancer in males and Kaposi sarcoma in males, the study found. 

Other cancers that were more prevalent in younger groups included myeloma, leukemia, cardia gastric cancer, and non-HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer (in women).

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Death rates also rose among younger groups for liver cancer (females), gallbladder cancer, uterine cancer, testicular cancer and colorectal cancer.

“These findings add to growing evidence of increased cancer risk in post-baby boomer generations, expanding on previous findings of early-onset colorectal cancer and a few obesity-associated cancers to encompass a broader range of cancer types,” said Dr. Hyuna Sung, lead author of the study and a senior principal scientist of surveillance and health equity science at the American Cancer Society, in the ACS release. 

The incidence of cancer among people under age 50 around the world is projected to increase by 31% by 2030, studies have shown. (iStock)

“Birth cohorts, groups of people classified by their birth year, share unique social, economic, political and climate environments, which affect their exposure to cancer risk factors during their crucial developmental years.”

While researchers have identified some cancer trends associated with certain age groups, they don’t yet have a clear explanation for why these rates are rising, Sung added.

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Cancer has historically been associated with aging, yet doctors have seen an “alarming trend” of surging cases among those under 50 years of age, according to Edward S. Kim, M.D., the physician-in-chief of City of Hope Orange County and vice physician-in-chief of City of Hope National Medical Center in California. 

“It is vital that we identify the reasons behind this trend.”

“This latest trend indicating increases in early onset cancer is a paradigm shift,” Kim, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital via email.

“It is vital that we identify the reasons behind this trend, educate the public, advance prevention and early diagnosis, and develop more effective treatments.”

While researchers have identified some cancer trends associated with certain age groups, they don’t yet have a clear explanation for why these rates are rising, a researcher said. (iStock)

There is “considerable evidence” pointing to environmental causes of early-onset cancers, according to Kim. 

“We cannot deny that an extensive range of environmental factors have rapidly transformed in developed countries since the mid-20th century,” he said. 

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While controlling these factors can be difficult, Kim said, modifications to diet and lifestyle could make a substantial impact — particularly when implemented in youth and early adulthood.

“Caring for our gut’s microbiome — the internal mechanism responsible for absorption of vitamins, regulation of the immune system, and assistance with food digestion – is essential,” he said.

Embracing a healthier lifestyle has been linked to reduced cancer rates, experts say. (iStock)

To ensure a healthy microbiome, the doctor recommends avoiding ultra-processed foods, exercising to prevent obesity, and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption.

It is also important for health care providers to make cancer screening options more accessible for younger people, Kim said.

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“All too often, primary care physicians may not recommend early screenings, because cancer has traditionally been associated with older ages and the screening guidelines have focused on age-based strategies,” he said. 

“Expanding cancer research efforts focused on younger individuals is another critical area for improvement,” Kim added. 

“Expanding cancer research efforts focused on younger individuals is another critical area for improvement,” an oncologist said. (iStock)

The ACS also calls for access to “affordable, comprehensive health insurance” for younger generations to increase screening rates.

The incidence of cancer among people under age 50 around the world is projected to increase by 31% by 2030, studies have shown.

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“There is an epidemic of young people being diagnosed with cancer occurring right in front of us, and unless we implement some urgent interventions, I fear we will continue to observe more young people with cancer over the next decade,” Kim said.

“We cannot wait that long.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the ACS researchers for additional comment.

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