According to a report from CNN, the American Association of Poison Control Centers, which aggregates data from state poison control centers, found from January to November, there were nearly 3,000 calls involving semaglutide, an increase of more than 15-fold since 2019
How Gastric Banding Affects Vitamin B12 Absorption Gastric banding leaves the B12 absorption pathway anatomically intact, so deficiency is driven by dietary restriction and PPI use rather than surgical bypass
As more individuals recognize the dual role of GLP-1 therapies in reducing body weight and lowering the risk of major cardiovascular events, demand for these medications continues to expand across diverse patient groups
Wang M, Geng X, Li K, Wang Y, Duan X, Hou C, et al
Managing constipation whilst on GLP-1 treatments Dietary strategies Increase fibre intake gradually to 25-30g daily through fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes Stay well-hydrated with at least 2-3 litres of water daily Consider psyllium husk or other soluble fibre supplements if dietary fibre is insufficient Magnesium supplements can have a laxative effect and relieve constipation Include probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, kefir and fermented vegetables Limit foods that may worsen constipation such as processed foods, cheese, and white bread Physical activity approaches Try specific yoga poses known to stimulate digestive motility Practice abdominal massage in a clockwise direction Maintain an active lifestyle with regular movement throughout the day and at least 30 minutes regular exercise Consider a short walk after meals to stimulate digestion Bathroom habits Establish a regular toileting routine at the same time each day Dont ignore the urge to have a bowel movement Use proper positioning with knees higher than hips (a footstool can help) Allow sufficient unhurried time in the bathroom Practice relaxation techniques to reduce tension during bowel movements Medical interventions Over-the-counter osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol (Movicol) for occasional relief Stool softeners such as docusate sodium (Dioctyl) if stools are particularly hard Bulk-forming laxatives such as ispaghula husk (Fybogel)
Nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and occasional vomiting are the most common side effects
