Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026

Ileectomy-induced Bile Overaccumulation in Mouse Intestine
Published on: August 21, 2017
Subocclusive ileus following off-label high-dose semaglutide use
Arina Nikolaeva1, Martin Vandeputte2
1Université Libre de Bruxelles, Faculty of Medicine, Brussels, Belgium.
Summary:
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA), is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, its increasing off-label use, particularly for cosmetic weight loss, raises concerns considering its potential adverse effects. We report the case of a 37-year-old woman with normal body mass index who developed subocclusive ileus following unsupervised use of semaglutide.
Learning Points:
Our case highlights that semaglutide can lead to functional intestinal obstruction. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for GLP-1 RA related gastrointestinal complications.
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