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Published on: March 10, 2015
Association between GLP-1-based therapy and small-bowel transit time during capsule endoscopy: a prospective,
Fadi Abu Baker1,2, Melhem Melhem3, Osnat Kalnizki4
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel.
BMJ Open Gastroenterology
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) based therapies are linked to longer small-bowel transit times in capsule endoscopy. Routine discontinuation is not advised, but individual patient assessment is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are increasingly used for type 2 diabetes and obesity.
- The effect of GLP-1 based therapies on gastrointestinal transit, particularly small-bowel transit time during capsule endoscopy, is not well established.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing capsule endoscopy procedures and interpreting findings in patients on these medications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) based therapy and small-bowel transit time (SBTT) during capsule endoscopy.
- To compare SBTT, gastric transit time (GTT), capsule completion, and endoscopic findings between patients on GLP-1 based therapy and controls.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, multicentre, observational study involving adults undergoing small-bowel capsule endoscopy.
- Patients receiving GLP-1 based therapy (GLP-1 receptor agonists or dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists) were compared with non-exposed controls.
- Primary outcome was SBTT; secondary outcomes included GTT, capsule completion, and endoscopic findings.
Main Results:
- Patients on GLP-1 based therapy (n=34) exhibited significantly longer SBTT compared to controls (n=95) (median 311.0 vs 236.0 min; p<0.001).
- GLP-1 based therapy was independently associated with longer SBTT in multivariable analysis (adjusted β+83 min; p=0.042), after adjusting for age, BMI, diabetes, and indication.
- No significant differences were observed in GTT, capsule completion rates, or clinically significant endoscopic findings between the groups.
Conclusions:
- GLP-1 based therapy is associated with prolonged small-bowel transit time during capsule endoscopy.
- Current findings do not support the routine discontinuation of GLP-1 based therapy before capsule endoscopy.
- Individualized patient assessment and larger studies are warranted to further evaluate capsule completion and repeat examination rates.
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