Weight-Loss Drugs Raise Choking Risk in Endoscopy, Study Finds - Franklin County Free Press

A study indicates that patients using weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy may face a higher risk of aspiration pneumonia during endoscopies, potentially leading to choking and death. Conducted by researchers in California, the study analyzed nearly 1 million American patients who underwent endoscopies from January 2018 to December 2020. Findings revealed that individuals on these drugs were 33% more likely to suffer from aspiration pneumonia, a condition where food, liquids, or saliva enter the airway, risking respiratory failure, ICU admission, or death.

Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, which works by suppressing appetite and is approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. The study suggests that the increased risk of aspiration pneumonia with these medications is due to slowed digestion, causing food to remain in the stomach longer. This can be problematic during endoscopies, as the procedure requires a fasted state for clear imaging.

Researchers recommend that patients on GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy consult their healthcare team well before any scheduled procedures to avoid complications. Aspiration pneumonia is typically treated with antibiotics and oxygen therapy but is a significant health risk, contributing to approximately 58,000 deaths annually in the U.S. The study's findings have been published in the journal Gastroenterology, highlighting a need for increased caution and patient-provider communication regarding the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists before endoscopic procedures.