Risk factors that may influence the decision to pause treatment include: Being in the dose-escalation phase of GLP-1 therapy Experiencing active gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, bloating) Having known gastroparesis or other conditions affecting gastric emptying Taking concurrent medications that further delay gastric emptying (e.g., opioids) Undergoing procedures with higher aspiration risk (e.g., emergency surgery, airway surgery) If your anaesthetist or surgical team advises temporary cessation based on your individual risk assessment, the timing will depend on the specific medication: Daily injections (such as liraglutide): Typically paused 24 hours before surgery Weekly injections (such as semaglutide, dulaglutide): Often paused with the last dose given at least 7 days before surgery Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus): Usually paused 24 hours before surgery However, these timings may vary according to local NHS Trust protocols and individual clinical assessment
Tilg H, Ianiro G, Gasbarrini A, Adolph TE
This enhanced efficacy is due to semaglutides unique ability to strongly bind to GLP-1 receptors, thereby effectively controlling appetite, slowing digestion, and helping patients feel full longer
What often goes unnoticed is that this stage can highlight underlying triggers of hunger that most people dont expect
The date of the first study medication prescription served as the index date
