Weight loss and gallstones

The widespread availability of weight loss medications (e.g. Wegovy and Mounjaro) has revolutionised the management of overweight and obesity, and it is estimated up to half a million people in the UK are currently on the medications.

 

While these drugs are generally safe and very effective, they do have some specific side effects it is worth being aware of. In particular, rapid weight loss and the effects of the medications on the gallbladder can result in people suffering from problematic gallstones. These problems generally present as pain in the abdomen, sometimes radiating to the back or up to the right shoulder, with or without fever or jaundice (skin and eyes going yellow).

 

People taking weight loss jabs who develop severe pain or feel very unwell should seek emergency medical attention, as occasionally gallstones can cause life-threatening problems, or the drugs can cause another condition called pancreatitis that needs urgent treatment.

 

People suffering intermittent pain, or who are well enough to be investigated outside of hospital, should see their GP and consider an ultrasound to look for gallstones. It would then be sensible to discuss the pros and cons of gallbladder removal surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) with an upper gastrointestinal surgeon.