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August 21, 2025Cureus0 citationsOpen Access

Nonmechanical Small Bowel Obstruction in a Patient on Zepbound Without a Surgical History: A Case Report

NLN. D. Lorenz JSJ. R. Stauffer AAAlex Abouafech

Key Points

The case highlights the development of nonmechanical small bowel obstruction in a 52-year-old female patient, raising clinical concerns.
Despite no prior GI issues, the patient experienced obstruction after escalating the Zepbound dosage, indicating potential risks.
Assessment of this case underscores the need for awareness regarding potential GI complications from tirzepatide in patients.
No surgical history or traditional SBO risk factors were present, emphasizing the nuanced risks related to Zepbound therapy.

Abstract

We present the case of a 52-year-old woman who developed a functional small bowel obstruction despite having no history of abdominal surgery, prior bowel obstruction, or GI interventions. The only notable recent change in her medical history was a dose escalation of Zepbound (tirzepatide), a glucagon-like peptide-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide agonist prescribed for weight loss. This case raises concern about potential severe GI motility complications associated with Zepbound, particularly in the absence of conventional SBO risk factors.

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