WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS NOW
Hi, Dr. Storage here. (Dr. Tabibian co-wrote this too) 🙂
As gastroenterologists, we treat patients who are taking GLP-1 agonist medications (i.e. “GLP-1s”) like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro for weight loss every week.
And let us start by saying: overall we’re pro-GLP-1s, when properly prescribed and managed.
We’ve seen these medications help patients lose anywhere from 6-18% of their bodyweight (approximately 15-35 lbs. for a 200 lb. person).
Additionally, GLP-1s can help lower blood sugar, reverse fatty liver, improve cholesterol, and reduce stroke risk.
Some of our patients report feeling better than they have in years. So yes, the good hype is real. And for many people, maybe you, the results can be life changing.
But there are also side effects.
TODAY’S OPPONENT:
Stomach Issues Caused by Ozempic (& other GLP-1s)
(Note: we’ll save the “Ozempic Face” discussion for another email 😱).
If you only take away one thing from this email, take this:
If you’re taking a GLP-1 drug like Ozempic, you have a 3x higher risk of gastroparesis.
Gastroparesis is a condition where your stomach muscles don’t work properly, causing food to move too slowly (or not at all) from your stomach to your small intestine.
GLP-1s slow your digestion. That’s how they help you feel full and eat less. But in some, food just sits in your stomach for hours.
You feel bloated, full after 3 bites, or may even vomit largely undigested food.
We’ve had patients say things like:
“It’s like my stomach is paralyzed.”
“I lost 40 pounds. But I can’t enjoy food anymore.”
“I’ve been off the shot for 2 months, and I still feel awful.”
And we’re seeing it a lot more in clinic as the popularity of GLP-1s soars.
A recent study also links GLP-1s to higher rates of chronic heartburn and acid reflux (GERD).
In clinic, we’re seeing a wave of new reflux cases in patients on GLP‑1s like Ozempic and Wegovy.
If your chest burns after meals, or you’re suddenly relying on Tums or Nexium to sleep, it could very well be caused by your GLP-1.
GLP‑1 agonists delay stomach emptying. That means food (and acid) sit in your stomach longer. Over time, that pressure builds, pushing acid back up into your esophagus.
So if you’re noticing:
→ Heartburn
→ A bitter taste in your mouth
→ Vomiting after meals
→ Trouble sleeping from acid creeping up
→ A tight or burning feeling in the chest
Consider talking to your doctor about GERD (which we deep dove into last week here).
“GLP-1s are effective, but not without drawbacks.”
When patients see me to discuss a knot-like sensation in their lower chest (or upper abdomen), one of the first things I ask about is whether they’ve recently started taking GLP-1s (and often the answer is “yes”).
These are NOT rare side effects. We’re seeing them every week.
“Ozempic-class drugs are helping some of my patients with diarrhea.”
There is potential with off-label use of GLP-1s. The silver lining in the slowing of gut motility is that these class of medications can potentially help my patients with diarrhea.
For my patients with fecal urgency who also need to lose weight, GLP-1s are a strong consideration.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT THIS OZEMPIC “HACK” IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING GI ISSUES
Here’s a helpful GLP-1 trick more patients are reporting:
Switching from stomach to thigh injections may help with the GERD symptoms.
This seems to be particularly helpful after titrating up in dose.
We’d love to see more research on this. But in the meantime, if you’re struggling with GERD on your GLP‑1 and haven’t tried this switch… it’s worth discussing with your doctor.
TIKTOK TREND WE’D BAN
Lemon Balm Water is 95% as Effective as Ozempic?
Let’s set the record straight.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is an herb traditionally used for stress relief, sleep, and digestive ease. It’s been shown to interact with GABA, a calming neurotransmitter in the brain. By promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, lemon balm may indirectly help with satiety. Especially for people who stress eat or crave comfort foods.
You sure about that?
In other words:
-It might help you feel calmer.
-It might take the edge off emotional eating.
❌ But it’s not a GLP-1.
GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic physiologically delay gastric emptying, increase insulin, blunt glucagon, and directly impact the gut-brain axis.
Lemon balm doesn’t do any of that. And no clinical study has shown it to come even remotely close to the metabolic or appetite-suppressing power of a GLP-1.
So if you like lemon balm for better sleep or chill vibes? Go for it.
Just don’t expect it to shrink your waistline as effectively as Ozempic or Wegovy.
Verdict: BANNED.
WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?
Respond to this email and let us know!
As gastroenterologists, we definitely have a lot to talk about when it comes to your gut health and well-being. But we can’t always get to everything (you know… like coffee enemas)! So reply directly to this email or DM us on TikTok below and maybe YOUR topic will be featured soon!
