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.
Keywords: high-dose; ileus; off-label; semaglutide.