From the Guidelines
Wegovy (semaglutide) decreases gastric emptying. This medication, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine. This delayed gastric emptying is one of the key mechanisms by which Wegovy helps with weight loss, as it contributes to increased feelings of fullness and reduced appetite. When food remains in the stomach longer, patients feel satisfied for extended periods, which helps reduce overall caloric intake. The slowing of gastric emptying occurs because semaglutide mimics the action of the natural hormone GLP-1, which regulates digestion and appetite. This effect is most pronounced during the initial weeks of treatment and may contribute to some of the gastrointestinal side effects that patients experience, such as nausea, vomiting, or feeling uncomfortably full. Over time, some tolerance to this effect may develop, but the impact on gastric emptying remains an important component of how Wegovy works for weight management 1.
Some key points to consider:
- The effect of semaglutide on gastric emptying is well-documented in the literature, with studies showing that it can delay gastric emptying and contribute to weight loss 1.
- The mechanism of action of semaglutide involves mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1, which regulates digestion and appetite 1.
- While some tolerance to the effect of semaglutide on gastric emptying may develop over time, it remains an important component of how the medication works for weight management 1.
- The use of semaglutide has been associated with an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration under anesthesia, likely due to its effect on gastric emptying 1.
Overall, the evidence suggests that Wegovy (semaglutide) decreases gastric emptying, which is an important mechanism by which it contributes to weight loss. This effect should be taken into consideration when prescribing the medication, particularly in patients who are at risk for pulmonary aspiration under anesthesia.
From the FDA Drug Label
Semaglutide causes a delay of early postprandial gastric emptying, thereby reducing the rate at which glucose appears in the circulation postprandially. The mechanism of blood glucose lowering also involves a minor delay in gastric emptying in the early postprandial phase.
Wegovy (semaglutide) decreases gastric emptying by causing a delay in early postprandial gastric emptying, which reduces the rate at which glucose appears in the circulation postprandially 2.
From the Research
Effects of Wegovy on Gastric Emptying
- Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that has been shown to delay gastric emptying 3, 4, 5.
- The delay in gastric emptying is a common mechanism of action shared by all GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide, which helps to prevent large post-meal glycemic increments 3.
- A study on oral semaglutide found that it delayed gastric emptying by 31% in the first postprandial hour, compared to placebo 5.
- However, it's worth noting that the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on gastric emptying may decrease over time due to tachyphylaxis 3.
Clinical Implications
- The delay in gastric emptying caused by semaglutide may impact the absorption of oral medications, and patients should be advised to take their medications at the appropriate time to minimize interactions 4.
- Semaglutide has been shown to be effective in reducing body weight and improving glycemic control, with a potential role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity 4, 6.
- However, semaglutide has also been associated with gastrointestinal adverse events, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which may be related to its effects on gastric emptying 7.