A newly published peer-reviewed study in Scientific Reports suggests that naturally occurring GLP-1 levels in the body may be linked to the risk of developing acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery — a finding that could have implications for patients on GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.
What the Research Found
The study, published in Scientific Reports, examined whether glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels are associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Acute kidney injury after heart surgery is a well-recognized and serious complication that can prolong hospital stays, increase the need for dialysis, and raise the risk of long-term kidney damage. The research adds to a growing body of evidence exploring how GLP-1 — the same hormone pathway targeted by drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) — may influence kidney health beyond its known effects on blood sugar and weight.
Why This Matters for GLP-1 Medication Users
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the action of naturally occurring GLP-1 in the body. Researchers and clinicians have been increasingly interested in whether these medications carry protective or other effects on the kidneys. Previous studies have suggested potential kidney-protective benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists in people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease. This new research on GLP-1 levels and post-surgical kidney injury adds another dimension to that conversation — though it is important to note that studying natural GLP-1 levels is not the same as studying the effects of GLP-1 medications directly.
Key takeaway: This study examines naturally circulating GLP-1 levels — not the GLP-1 medications themselves — so patients currently taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound should not change their medication routine based on this research alone. Speak with your prescriber if you have concerns, especially if you are scheduled for heart surgery.
What Patients Scheduled for Surgery Should Know
If you are currently taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist and are preparing for cardiac surgery or any major procedure, it is essential to inform your surgical and anesthesia teams. Guidelines from several medical societies already advise pausing certain GLP-1 medications before elective procedures due to concerns about delayed gastric emptying and anesthesia risks. The question of how these medications interact with post-surgical kidney outcomes is an active and evolving area of research.
What to Watch Next
This study opens the door to further investigation into whether GLP-1 receptor agonist medications could one day play a role in protecting the kidneys of high-risk surgical patients — or whether elevated GLP-1 levels signal risk that needs to be managed. Larger clinical trials and prospective studies will be needed before any firm clinical recommendations can be made based on this finding.
Frequently Asked Questions
This emerging research highlights how much there is still to learn about GLP-1's role in the body beyond blood sugar and weight management. If you are taking a GLP-1 medication and have concerns about kidney health or an upcoming surgery, please consult your prescriber for personalized guidance before making any changes to your treatment plan.
- Peer-reviewed journal article, 'Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels are associated with acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery,' Scientific Reports (Sci Rep), date not specified.