{"id":4814,"date":"2025-07-11T11:48:06","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T11:48:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/?p=4814"},"modified":"2025-07-25T08:40:59","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T08:40:59","slug":"are-glp-1-supplements-safe-for-those-with-gut-or-liver-condition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/are-glp-1-supplements-safe-for-those-with-gut-or-liver-condition\/","title":{"rendered":"Are GLP 1 Supplements Safe for Those with Gut or Liver Condition?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"4814\" class=\"elementor elementor-4814\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41f02913 e-flex e-con-boxed wpr-particle-no wpr-jarallax-no wpr-parallax-no wpr-sticky-section-no wpr-column-slider-no wpr-equal-height-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"41f02913\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-724bc2a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"724bc2a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span class=\"s4\">GLP\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"s4\">1 supplements like <\/span><span class=\"s4\">Ozempic<\/span><span class=\"s4\">, <\/span><span class=\"s4\">Wegovy<\/span><span class=\"s4\">, and <\/span><span class=\"s4\">Mounjaro<\/span><span class=\"s4\"> are widely used for diabetes and weight management. If you already have a longstanding digestive or liver condition, you may wonder whether these medications are right for your gut or liver conditions.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-575342d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"575342d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How these drugs affect digestion\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3cb6ee1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3cb6ee1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They work by slowing stomach emptying and overall transit time in the bowels and influence the release and actions of gut hormones that regulate appetite and digestion. These mechanisms help lower blood sugar and promote weight loss.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, they can also lead to common gastrointestinal side effects such as:<\/span><\/p><ul><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Feeling full very quickly (desirable for those looking to lose weight)<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Nausea and vomiting<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Bloating, indigestion, and reflux<\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Constipation or diarrhoea<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most people find these effects settle with time or a slower dose increase. However, for those with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions, symptoms may be more intense or persistent.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f0dac0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0f0dac0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Gastroparesis (Slow Stomach Emptying)\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c57f822 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c57f822\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, leading to bloating, early satiety, nausea and in severe cases vomiting, regurgitation and worsening reflux. These medications slow gastric emptying as part of their mechanism, which can mimic or exacerbate symptoms of gastroparesis.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are case reports of patients developing severe symptoms that resolved after discontinuing GLP 1 supplements. There are no clinical trials on GLP\u20111 use in patients with diagnosed gastroparesis.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you suspected delayed gastric emptying or have been diagnosed with it, it is strongly advised to consult a Gastroenterologist prior to- and if on these medicines.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-437c6d0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"437c6d0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ab462d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4ab462d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. This is usually due to a disordered interaction between the gut and the brain. It includes subtypes such as constipation-predominant (IBS\u2011C), diarrhoea-predominant (IBS\u2011D), or a mixed variety.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GLP\u20111s may worsen IBS\u2011C by further slowing gut transit. For IBS\u2011D, the effect is less predictable and may vary between individuals with some finding them beneficial.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember IBS is diagnosed once other causes have been ruled out. There are many situations where an initial diagnosis of IBS ultimately turns out to be an Inflammatory Bowel Disease.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speak to your Gastroenterologist if you need further clarification prior to taking GLP 1 supplements or if your symptoms flare whilst on them.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-62e02ad elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"62e02ad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What About GLP 1 supplements and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-edd8b53 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"edd8b53\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have Crohn\u2019s disease or ulcerative colitis\u2014or a family history of IBD\u2014you may wonder whether weight-loss or diabetes medications like Ozempic or Mounjaro are safe to use.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Current available research suggests GLP-1 injections do not increase the risk of developing IBD. In fact, some studies suggest they may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect in the gut. Large observational data from Scandinavian countries even hint that people taking GLP 1 supplements may be less likely to develop new-onset IBD compared to those on older diabetes medications.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That said, people with active Crohn\u2019s disease, bowel strictures, or previous bowel surgeries should be cautious. These medications can slow down gut motility, which may not be ideal if you already have narrowed or inflamed bowel segments.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always discuss with your gastroenterologist before starting and alert them of any change in symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-33adafc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"33adafc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Reflux &amp; Functional Dyspepsia\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7f20d52 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7f20d52\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD-reflux or short) occurs when stomach acid\/fluid backs up into the oesophagus.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Functional dyspepsia includes symptoms like bloating, early fullness, and upper abdominal discomfort without a clear cause.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GLP\u20111 drugs may increase the risk of reflux by delaying gastric emptying. This simply means food and other contents stay in the stomach longer and tends to move into the Oesophagus easier, and for longer.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Managing reflux is difficult. Over the counter drugs and acid suppressants only do so much to alleviate reflux (not all reflux is acid). Weight loss ultimately improves reflux and its symptoms.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your gastroenterologist will advise on the best course of action if your reflux worsens. There are tests that can correlate your symptoms with reflux.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9fd3a69 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9fd3a69\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Gallstone &amp; Gallbladder Disease\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d11beb4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d11beb4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GLP\u20111 medications are associated with an increased risk of gallstone formation, particularly during rapid weight loss. They slow gallbladder movement, leaving the bile in for longer and increase biliary cholesterol concentration. This effect is potentiated by fasting due to reduced food intake.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies have shown a 30\u201355% increased risk of gallstones or gallbladder complications in GLP\u20111 users, especially at higher doses or with prolonged use.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gallstones may move into the bile duct to cause severe pain, jaundice or infections and less commonly, pancreatitis. This may require procedures such as EUS and\/ or ERCP (where gallstones are looked for and removed), usually performed by a Gastroenterologist.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speak to your Gastroenterologist if you have Gallstones and are planning on taking GLP-1 drugs.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e0f552c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e0f552c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Pancreatitis (Pancreas Inflammation)\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4af3e54 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4af3e54\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acute pancreatitis has been reported in some individuals using GLP\u20111 medications, although this remains uncommon. It is postulated that pancreatitis may be secondary to gallstones, however we do not know this with certainty.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Post-marketing surveillance and observational studies have raised some concern, prompting regulatory reviews. In fact, patients are encouraged to report pancreatitis whilst on GLP-1 drugs here :https:\/\/yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with a prior history of pancreatitis are generally considered at higher risk. These drugs are best avoided in this scenario. Symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever should prompt immediate evaluation by calling 111 or attending A&amp;E.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For those with chronic pancreatitis, it is advised to closely follow up with a Gastroenterologist while on GLP-1 drugs.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0f2b26e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0f2b26e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Chronic Liver Disease &amp; Liver Fibrosis\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-94fa0b1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"94fa0b1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic liver disease includes a spectrum of conditions from fatty liver (MASLD\/MASH) to cirrhosis. In fatty liver disease, GLP 1 supplements show promising benefit.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A study called the LEAN trial found a similar drug called Liraglutide improved liver inflammation and fibrosis in patients with MASLD. Ozempic has shown a 59% resolution rate of steatohepatitis in trials, though fibrosis improvement was less clear.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In patients with other chronic liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis or alcohol-related liver disease, evidence is limited but early data suggest GLP\u20111s may help reduce liver fat and improve liver enzymes. This is best followed up by a Gastroenterologist or Hepatologist.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are increasing reports of reduced alcohol intake due to effects on addictive behaviours, whilst on Ozempic and Mounjaro. This appears to suggest an indirect benefit, although no recommendations can be made to use these drugs for this purpose.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However it is important to remember that any medicine can cause an acute inflammation of the liver.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speak to your Gastroenterologist, test and evaluate liver enzyme elevations. It is always better to follow up to look at the trends of these enzymes over time.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6fc35a5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6fc35a5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Autoimmune Liver Diseases\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e096041 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e096041\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Autoimmune liver conditions such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis have not been studied in GLP\u20111 clinical trials.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no data to suggest harm or benefit, so these medications should be used cautiously and only with specialist input. Immune-modulating effects, if any, of these drugs are not well understood in this context.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speak to your gastroenterologist in these situations.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-752cb3e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"752cb3e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Rare But Important Risks\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e6c8d3f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e6c8d3f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though uncommon, serious adverse events like acute pancreatitis, gastroparesis requiring hospitalisation, intestinal obstruction, and rare vascular events have been reported.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If symptoms such as severe or persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, jaundice, or inability to tolerate food occur, urgent medical attention is advised by calling 111 or attending A&amp;E.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These events should not be ignored, especially in individuals with known gastrointestinal or hepatobiliary vulnerabilities.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-79f9099 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"79f9099\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What We Still Don\u2019t Know\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fddb1df elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fddb1df\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are significant gaps in evidence regarding the safety of GLP 1 supplements in people with existing gastrointestinal or liver diseases. We lack trials that specifically include patients with these conditions, and long-term effects are unclear.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More research is needed to guide decisions about the use of these medications in complex patients, especially when considering long-term therapy.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cf8d48a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"cf8d48a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Why a Coordinated, Multi-disciplinary Care Matters\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7f44e75 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7f44e75\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These drugs are here to stay, with overall positive effects for much of the population.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with digestive or liver conditions considering GLP\u20111 therapy should be managed through a multidisciplinary approach. This may include input from an endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and a primary care physician. Monitoring symptoms, lab tests, and imaging should be standard.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never stop or start GLP\u20111 therapy without medical guidance. Personalised decisions offer the safest and most effective outcomes.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-daf1b5b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"daf1b5b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Final Takeaway\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0044ddc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0044ddc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GLP 1 supplements can be safe and effective\u2014but their use in chronic gastrointestinal and liver conditions must be considered carefully.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is evidence of benefit in fatty liver disease, but caution is needed for conditions like gastroparesis, gallstones and pancreatitis<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work with your care team, ask questions, and ensure monitoring is in place before and during treatment.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To book a private liver consultation or second opinion, get in touch<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/\"> <b>with us<\/b><\/a><\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Had a great experience with us? We\u2019d love to hear your thoughts!<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/g.page\/r\/Ce8qUvKQFM0AEBM\/review\"> <b>Click here to leave a Google review<\/b><\/a><\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and share your feedback.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>GLP\u00a01 supplements like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are widely used for diabetes and weight management. If you already have a longstanding digestive or liver condition, you may wonder whether these medications are right for your gut or liver conditions. How these drugs affect digestion They work by slowing stomach emptying and overall transit time in the bowels and influence the release and actions of gut hormones that regulate appetite and digestion. These mechanisms help lower blood sugar and promote weight loss. However, they can also lead to common gastrointestinal side effects such as: Feeling full very quickly (desirable for those looking to lose weight) Nausea and vomiting Bloating, indigestion, and reflux Constipation or diarrhoea Most people find these effects settle with time or a slower dose increase. However, for those with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions, symptoms may be more intense or persistent. Gastroparesis (Slow Stomach Emptying) Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, leading to bloating, early satiety, nausea and in severe cases vomiting, regurgitation and worsening reflux. These medications slow gastric emptying as part of their mechanism, which can mimic or exacerbate symptoms of gastroparesis. There are case reports of patients developing severe symptoms that resolved after discontinuing GLP 1 supplements. There are no clinical trials on GLP\u20111 use in patients with diagnosed gastroparesis. If you suspected delayed gastric emptying or have been diagnosed with it, it is strongly advised to consult a Gastroenterologist prior to- and if on these medicines. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. This is usually due to a disordered interaction between the gut and the brain. It includes subtypes such as constipation-predominant (IBS\u2011C), diarrhoea-predominant (IBS\u2011D), or a mixed variety. GLP\u20111s may worsen IBS\u2011C by further slowing gut transit. For IBS\u2011D, the effect is less predictable and may vary between individuals with some finding them beneficial. Remember IBS is diagnosed once other causes have been ruled out. There are many situations where an initial diagnosis of IBS ultimately turns out to be an Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Speak to your Gastroenterologist if you need further clarification prior to taking GLP 1 supplements or if your symptoms flare whilst on them. What About GLP 1 supplements and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)? If you have Crohn\u2019s disease or ulcerative colitis\u2014or a family history of IBD\u2014you may wonder whether weight-loss or diabetes medications like Ozempic or Mounjaro are safe to use. Current available research suggests GLP-1 injections do not increase the risk of developing IBD. In fact, some studies suggest they may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect in the gut. Large observational data from Scandinavian countries even hint that people taking GLP 1 supplements may be less likely to develop new-onset IBD compared to those on older diabetes medications. That said, people with active Crohn\u2019s disease, bowel strictures, or previous bowel surgeries should be cautious. These medications can slow down gut motility, which may not be ideal if you already have narrowed or inflamed bowel segments. Always discuss with your gastroenterologist before starting and alert them of any change in symptoms. Reflux &amp; Functional Dyspepsia Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD-reflux or short) occurs when stomach acid\/fluid backs up into the oesophagus. Functional dyspepsia includes symptoms like bloating, early fullness, and upper abdominal discomfort without a clear cause. GLP\u20111 drugs may increase the risk of reflux by delaying gastric emptying. This simply means food and other contents stay in the stomach longer and tends to move into the Oesophagus easier, and for longer. Managing reflux is difficult. Over the counter drugs and acid suppressants only do so much to alleviate reflux (not all reflux is acid). Weight loss ultimately improves reflux and its symptoms. Your gastroenterologist will advise on the best course of action if your reflux worsens. There are tests that can correlate your symptoms with reflux. Gallstone &amp; Gallbladder Disease GLP\u20111 medications are associated with an increased risk of gallstone formation, particularly during rapid weight loss. They slow gallbladder movement, leaving the bile in for longer and increase biliary cholesterol concentration. This effect is potentiated by fasting due to reduced food intake. Studies have shown a 30\u201355% increased risk of gallstones or gallbladder complications in GLP\u20111 users, especially at higher doses or with prolonged use. Gallstones may move into the bile duct to cause severe pain, jaundice or infections and less commonly, pancreatitis. This may require procedures such as EUS and\/ or ERCP (where gallstones are looked for and removed), usually performed by a Gastroenterologist. Speak to your Gastroenterologist if you have Gallstones and are planning on taking GLP-1 drugs. Pancreatitis (Pancreas Inflammation) Acute pancreatitis has been reported in some individuals using GLP\u20111 medications, although this remains uncommon. It is postulated that pancreatitis may be secondary to gallstones, however we do not know this with certainty. Post-marketing surveillance and observational studies have raised some concern, prompting regulatory reviews. In fact, patients are encouraged to report pancreatitis whilst on GLP-1 drugs here :https:\/\/yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk People with a prior history of pancreatitis are generally considered at higher risk. These drugs are best avoided in this scenario. Symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever should prompt immediate evaluation by calling 111 or attending A&amp;E. For those with chronic pancreatitis, it is advised to closely follow up with a Gastroenterologist while on GLP-1 drugs. Chronic Liver Disease &amp; Liver Fibrosis Chronic liver disease includes a spectrum of conditions from fatty liver (MASLD\/MASH) to cirrhosis. In fatty liver disease, GLP 1 supplements show promising benefit. A study called the LEAN trial found a similar drug called Liraglutide improved liver inflammation and fibrosis in patients with MASLD. Ozempic has shown a 59% resolution rate of steatohepatitis in trials, though fibrosis improvement was less clear. In patients with other chronic liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis or alcohol-related liver disease, evidence is limited but early data suggest GLP\u20111s may help reduce liver fat and improve liver enzymes. This is best followed up by a Gastroenterologist or<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4815,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","two_page_speed":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4814","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4814","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4814"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4814\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5026,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4814\/revisions\/5026"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4815"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4814"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4814"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harmonygutandliver.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4814"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}