Can I take GLP-1 medications if I have gastroparesis?

GLP-1 medications are contraindicated in patients with severe gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying) because they further slow gastric motility. These drugs work partly by delaying stomach emptying to increase satiety, which worsens gastroparesis symptoms. For patients with mild gastroparesis, some providers may use GLP-1s with extreme caution and close monitoring. The combination of GLP-1 effects plus existing gastroparesis can cause severe nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and malnutrition. If you have symptoms of gastroparesis (early satiety, bloating, nausea, vomiting undigested food hours after eating), discuss this with your provider before starting GLP-1 therapy. Some diagnostic gastric emptying studies use GLP-1 analogs specifically because they delay emptying, highlighting why they're problematic for gastroparesis patients. Alternative weight management approaches should be considered for patients with significant gastric motility disorders.