It’s been reported that patients taking a GLP-1 are 66% more likely to be diagnosed with gastroparesis.

Stomach (gastric) emptying is part of the digestive process wherein the foods and beverages we consume are moved from the stomach into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. The small intestine plays a key role in the digestive process because it is the principal site for digestion, and the site where nutrient absorption occurs.

When contents are delayed in moving from the stomach to the small intestines, this is referred to as gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a medical condition that can have several causes such as diabetes, neurological conditions (e.g. Parkinson’s), or medications. For patients taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic® and Wegovy®, it’s been reported that they are 66% more likely to be diagnosed with gastroparesis.

GLP-1 medications delay gastric emptying as part of their design. Food moving more slowly into the small intestine helps to control blood sugar and promotes a feeling of being full, known as satiety. While controlling blood sugar and satiety are important, gastroparesis can lead to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Another potential side effect is malnutrition because nutrients may not be properly absorbed due to the delayed stomach emptying.

While this may sound worrisome, there are things you can do to mitigate the side effects:

• Dietary changes such as eating more frequently: Consuming smaller meals that are low in fat and high in fiber can help with delayed stomach emptying and nutrient absorption. Avoiding high fat foods like fried foods, fast food, and foods high in sugar can help ease nausea associated with GLP-1 medications and dips in blood sugar levels.
• Staying hydrated is also crucial: Proper hydration can mitigate nausea and can help facilitate the movement of stomach contents into the small intestines. Be sure to work with your healthcare provider to determine a daily hydration goal that is tailored to your specific health needs.

Scientifically formulated dietary beverages can also help with nutrient absorption for GLP-1 patients. One such option is Biocare®. While Biocare is not specifically designed to treat gastroparesis, its formulation addresses some of the nutritional challenges and gastrointestinal side effects that individuals with gastroparesis may face*, especially when using GLP-1 medications.

• Biocare is a gluten-free, low lactose dietary beverage option that provides GLP-1 patients with supplemental digestive enzymes, pre- and probiotic bioactive compounds.
• Biocare is formulated with:
  • Prebiotic fiber, which is implicated in gut health and the absorption of vitamins and minerals to mitigate the risk of malnutrition
  • Healthy fats from ground flaxseed, which is a rich source of Omega-3 to promote heart, brain, and immune functioning
  • Digestive enzymes to promote proper digestion and nutrient absorption to mitigate the risks of nutritionally deficiencies
  • Anti-nausea compounds that help soothe an upset stomach and manage digestive symptoms such as nausea, fullness, gas, and bloating while also helping you to maintain typical digestion and healthy bowel movements.

If you are taking a GLP-1 medication and have been diagnosed with gastroparesis or think you are experiencing symptoms that align with gastroparesis, be sure to work with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can help you get to the root cause of your gastroparesis and confirm that your symptoms do in fact point to gastroparesis. Be sure to work with your healthcare provider to tailor a treatment plan or to make a change in your GLP-1 dosage that will be right for you.

GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy offer benefits to patients with obesity and/or type 2 diabetes. Although these medications do have side effects, the side effects can be managed with dietary lifestyle changes that include low fat, high fiber foods, and a scientifically formulated dietary beverage such as Biocare. Further, to optimize the benefits of these medications, it is critical to pair them with healthy lifestyle changes such as following a healthy eating plan and weekly exercise for long-term results.

Prior to starting any weight loss program, whether it includes anti-obesity medication or not, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider to make sure your desired weight loss strategy is right for you.  Please consult with your physician or healthcare provider before using Biocare if you have been diagnosed with gastroparesis.

About the Author: Dr. Dawn M. Sweet has over 20 years of experience in the field of communication. Dr. Sweet has given several invited talks to and workshops for academic and private sector audiences on the role of nonverbal and verbal communication in achieving positive outcomes and mitigating bias. Her research has been published in several top ranked peer-review journals, and it has been featured on NPR’s River to River / All Things Considered, Buzzfeed, and Science Daily. Her research has also been used to inform expert testimony.

*Biocare may help relieve some side effects associated with weight loss medications, including nausea, bloating, stomach discomfort and constipation. Do not use this product if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please consult your physician or healthcare provider before making changes to your health or diet program. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Wegovy^® and Ozempic^® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Novo Nordisk is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.