ABSTRACT This retrospective case series investigates the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on whole-gut gastrointestinal motility using wireless motility capsule testing. We analyzed 10 patients on GLP-1RAs who underwent wireless motility capsule testing for constipation or gastroparesis to assess gastric, small bowel, and colonic transit times. Delayed gastric emptying time was observed in 80% of patients, whereas delayed whole-gut transit time was noted in 44% of patients. The 3 patients on semaglutide (1 mg) had the longest gastric emptying time, delayed whole-gut transit time, and were the only patients with delayed small bowel transit time. Although limited by retrospective observation, our findings are consistent with the effects of GLP-1RAs on gastric motility delay and suggest an impact on whole-gut motility. With the expanding use of GLP-1RAs, these findings underscore the need for prospective studies using emerging motility technologies to further characterize the motility effects both during treatment and after cessation, thereby guiding evidence-based clinical decision-making.
Cymbal et al. (Fri,) studied this question.