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Study · Case report or series · n = 1 · 2025

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GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Diabetes and Obesity: A Case Report and Review of Bowel Obstruction Risks and Management.

Jones M, Cappola JJ

Cureus8 Apr 2025Cited by 10 (Europe PMC)

PMID40342457 (opens in a new tab)PMCIDPMC12060997 (opens in a new tab)DOI10.7759/cureus.81891 (opens in a new tab)PepBankPUB-40342457
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Summary

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are commonly used for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. These drugs improve glycemic control and promote weight loss, but they can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as gastroparesis and bowel obstruction, particularly in patients with preexisting GI motility issues. A 55-year-old woman with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and a history of small bowel obstruction developed severe abdominal pain and nausea after starting semaglutide. She was diagnosed with small bowel obstruction and treated with nasogastric decompression and bowel rest. Her condition resolved, but the potential risks of continuing GLP-1 RA therapy were reassessed. GLP-1 RAs reduce gut motility by slowing gastric emptying and altering the migrating motor complex (MMC), increasing the risk of conditions like gastroparesis and bowel obstruction. The patient's prior GI issues and GLP-1 therapy likely contributed to her obstruction. GLP-1 RAs have been linked to bowel obstruction, particularly in those with prior GI motility problems. Clinicians should monitor for symptoms in such patients and weigh the benefits of improved glycemic control against the risk of GI complications. In some cases, discontinuing GLP-1 RA therapy may be appropriate. This case highlights the need for caution when prescribing GLP-1 RAs to patients with a history of gastrointestinal issues. Personalized treatment approaches are essential to balance therapeutic benefits with risks. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of GLP-1 RA-induced bowel obstruction.
CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study1

1 result from studies that gave the peptide. 1 result from people.

  1. 01HumanCase report or seriesSafety outcome

    In a 55-year-old woman with obesity, type 2 diabetes and prior small bowel obstruction, severe abdominal pain, nausea and small bowel obstruction developed after she started semaglutide.

    In plain wordsA woman with obesity, type 2 diabetes and past bowel obstruction developed a small bowel obstruction after starting semaglutide. This is one case.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    IncreaseSmall bowel obstruction after starting semaglutide
    Study

    n = 1

    Outcome group
    Gastrointestinal adverse events · Gastrointestinal
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    A 55-year-old woman with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and a history of small bowel obstruction developed severe abdominal pain and nausea after starting semaglutide.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    She was diagnosed with small bowel obstruction and treated with nasogastric decompression and bowel rest.

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

  1. Version 2Current

    11 Oct 2026, 00:04 UTC

    Study results updated

  2. Version 1

    9 Oct 2026, 03:06 UTC

    First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

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