Pregnant Woman with Severe Bloating: Doctors Warn of Stomach Dysfunction from Weight Loss Injections

A 54-year-old woman with a slightly plump figure sought medical treatment for severe epigastric bloating and intense pain. Dr. Swie Ping-yi conducted an endoscopy and discovered an alarming condition: despite fasting for 12 hours, her stomach and upper small intestine were still filled with food remnants. Upon further investigation, the cause was traced to 'hunger control injections' or weight loss pens. The doctor warned this is a medication side effect potentially causing severe food retention in the stomach. Dr. Swie from Annan Hospital revealed the patient had been using these weight loss injections for about two months, receiving three total doses. After the second injection, she began experiencing clear epigastric bloating. Concerningly, even after stopping the medication for three weeks, her symptoms did not improve. Endoscopy confirmed she had developed 'gastric paralysis' or gastroparesis, preventing normal food digestion. Dr. Swie explained that these weight loss injections containing semaglutide and liraglutide work by slowing food passage from the stomach, reducing hunger and controlling weight. However, if used in excessive doses or increased too quickly, they can cause gastric paralysis. He provided four key recommendations: 1. Only use under specialist medical supervision 2. Adjust medication dosage gradually 3. Watch for dangerous symptoms 4. Prevent muscle mass reduction Additionally, Dr. Swie specially warned patients to inform anesthesiologists about weight loss injections before surgery to avoid potential life-threatening complications.