Gastroparesis, also known as stomach paralysis, is a serious digestive condition in which the stomach muscles stop functioning normally. Instead of moving food into the small intestine, the stomach becomes slow, dysfunctional, or completely paralyzed — causing chronic nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, severe bloating, and long-term digestive impairment.
While many factors can cause gastroparesis, there is a growing number of reports linking the condition to GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Rybelsus.
This page provides a comprehensive medical and patient-friendly overview of symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and drug-related risks.
What Is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis occurs when the muscles of the stomach wall and the nerves that control them stop working correctly. This slows or stops the movement of food through the stomach without any physical blockage.
Key characteristics:
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Food remains in the stomach for hours (or days)
- Difficulty digesting normal meals
- Chronic nausea and vomiting
- Nutritional deficiencies and dehydration
In severe cases, patients cannot tolerate solid foods and may require long-term medical management.
Symptoms of Gastroparesis
Symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe — and often progress over weeks or months.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
- Persistent nausea
- Vomiting undigested food
- Severe bloating
- Abdominal discomfort or pressure
- Feeling full immediately after eating
- Loss of appetite
- Acid reflux or indigestion
Nutritional Symptoms
- Rapid or unintended weight loss
- Difficulty tolerating food or liquids
- Malnutrition
- Fatigue
Severe Symptoms
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Gastric bezoars (masses of undigested food)
- Hospitalizations
When symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, evaluation for gastroparesis is essential.
What Causes Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis can be caused by several conditions, including:
- Diabetes (most common traditional cause)
High blood sugar can damage nerves involved in stomach motility.
- Viral or autoimmune damage
Infections or immune disorders may impair GI nerves.
- Surgery-related nerve damage
Especially involving the esophagus, stomach, or vagus nerve.
- Neurological disorders
Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and others.
- Medications — including GLP-1 drugs
This is a rapidly growing category.
Drug-Induced Gastroparesis and GLP-1 Drugs
A significant number of recent gastroparesis cases have occurred in patients using GLP-1 drugs, particularly:
These medications intentionally slow gastric emptying — but in some patients, this effect becomes excessive and pathological, leading to stomach paralysis.
Why GLP-1 Drugs May Cause Gastroparesis:
- They reduce stomach contractions
- They impair gastric nerve signaling
- They slow digestive muscle movement
- High doses or long-term use intensify risk
- Off-label weight-loss users often have less medical monitoring
Drug-specific deep dives:
➡️ Ozempic & Gastroparesis
➡️ Wegovy Side Effects
➡️ Mounjaro Side Effects
How Doctors Diagnose Gastroparesis
Diagnostic evaluation typically includes:
- Gastric Emptying Study (GES)
The gold standard for measuring stomach motility.
This test shows how long food remains in the stomach.
- Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
Rules out blockages, ulcers, or structural issues.
- Abdominal Imaging
Ultrasound or CT scan to evaluate surrounding organs.
- SmartPill Motility Capsule
A swallowed capsule that tracks GI transit time.
- Blood Tests
To identify electrolyte abnormalities or nutritional deficiencies.
Treatment Options for Gastroparesis
While treatment varies by severity, common approaches include:
Dietary Modifications
- Small, frequent meals
- Low-fat, low-fiber diet
- Soft or liquid foods
- Avoid raw vegetables, fatty meats, and high-fiber grains
Medications
- Prokinetics to improve stomach motility
- Anti-nausea medications
- Acid reduction therapies (if needed)
Advanced Interventions
- Feeding tubes (severe cases)
- IV hydration
- Gastric electrical stimulation
- Surgery (rare)
Important:
Stopping the GLP-1 drug may improve symptoms — but many patients continue to experience symptoms long-term.
Is Gastroparesis Reversible?
Outcomes vary:
- Mild cases may improve with treatment
- Moderate cases may require long-term management
- Severe cases can become permanent
- Some patients develop lifelong GI dysfunction after GLP-1 drug use
Early diagnosis significantly improves prognosis.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
Seek immediate help if you experience:
- inability to keep food or liquids down
- vomiting more than 3–4 times per day
- dehydration
- dizziness or fainting
- severe abdominal pain
- no bowel movements/gas
- signs of malnutrition
Legal Rights: Gastroparesis from GLP-1 Drugs
Many patients who developed gastroparesis after taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Rybelsus may be eligible for financial compensation.
You may qualify if you:
- developed gastroparesis after using a GLP-1 drug
- were hospitalized for GI problems
- required feeding tubes or IV hydration
- can no longer tolerate normal meals
- suffered permanent or long-term GI damage
- lost income due to illness
Potential compensation includes:
- medical bills
- ongoing care
- lost wages
- pain and suffering
- reduced quality of life
➡️ See if you qualify:
👉 GLP-1 Drug Lawsuits
👉 Ozempic Lawsuit
Related Information
- Ozempic & Gastroparesis
- Common GLP-1 Side Effects
- Severe GLP-1 Reactions
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney Failure
Gastroparesis is one of the most serious gastrointestinal conditions associated with GLP-1 drug use — and in many cases, it becomes chronic or permanent. Recognizing symptoms early, getting proper diagnostic tests, and understanding your medical and legal options can make a life-changing difference.
If you believe a GLP-1 drug caused your gastroparesis, you may be entitled to compensation.