A newly published peer-reviewed study is sounding the alarm that side effects from GLP-1 medications — including semaglutide and tirzepatide — are being incorrectly blamed on surgical complications, a mix-up the authors warn carries serious consequences for both patients and the physicians caring for them.
What the Research Found
Published in the Korean Journal of Anesthesiology, the study describes an "underappreciated perioperative patient safety issue" created by the rapid growth of anti-obesity medications (AOMs). Researchers focused specifically on GLP-1 receptor agonists, the dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist tirzepatide, and non-incretin agents including orlistat, phentermine, and bupropion/naltrexone.
The core problem: when patients on these medications undergo surgery, certain adverse effects — such as nausea, vomiting, or delayed gastric emptying associated with GLP-1 drugs — can closely resemble symptoms of a surgical complication. Anesthesiologists and surgical teams may then investigate or treat the wrong cause, potentially delaying appropriate care or exposing clinicians to unwarranted medicolegal liability.
Why This Matters for GLP-1 Patients
If you take Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound and are scheduled for any procedure requiring anesthesia, this research underscores why full disclosure to your entire care team is essential — not just your prescriber. GLP-1 medications are known to slow gastric emptying, which is already a recognized concern around surgery. But the broader picture, according to this review, is that the full range of AOM side effects is not well understood by all surgical specialists.
The study's framing as a "medicolegal warning" signals that the authors believe misattribution of these side effects is already happening in clinical practice — and that it creates real risk. For patients, that risk is being subjected to unnecessary follow-up tests or treatments for a surgical complication that isn't actually there.
Key takeaway: If you are taking any GLP-1 or anti-obesity medication and planning surgery, make sure every member of your surgical and anesthesia team knows exactly what you are taking, at what dose, and when you last took it — before your procedure.
The Broader Context
This publication adds to a growing body of guidance aimed at closing a knowledge gap in perioperative medicine. As GLP-1 prescriptions have surged, many anesthesiologists and surgical teams trained before these drugs became widespread may not be fully familiar with their side effect profiles. The authors specifically address this to anesthesiologists, the specialists most directly responsible for patient safety in the operating room and immediate recovery period.
What to Watch Next
Expect more surgical societies and anesthesiology bodies to update their guidelines around GLP-1 use before procedures. Already, some professional groups have issued recommendations around pausing GLP-1 drugs ahead of elective surgery to reduce aspiration risk. This new review suggests the conversation needs to expand to cover the full range of anti-obesity medications and their potential to mimic post-operative complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every patient's situation is different. If you take a GLP-1 or other anti-obesity medication and have surgery coming up, speak with your prescribing doctor and your surgical team well in advance to make a coordinated plan for your care.
- Peer-reviewed journal article, 'Blamed but not at fault: Anti-obesity medication adverse effects misidentified as perioperative complications - a comprehensive review and medicolegal warning for anesthesiologists,' Korean Journal of Anesthesiology, date not specified in source.