Survey shows one third of people unsure how GLP-1 meds affect pre-surgery fasting
Nearly one in three people (30 per cent) are unsure how GLP-1 medications affect fasting before their operation, according to new research by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA).
Anaesthetists warn that people taking GLP-1s, such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, can still have food in their stomach even if they have fasted for several hours before surgery.
The survey of 505 people across Australia and New Zealand found nearly one in five young adults (19 per cent) did not disclose their use of GLP-1 medications to an anaesthetist.
The research findings coincide with National Anaesthesia Day, held each year on 16 October to mark the first successful public demonstration of ether anaesthesia.
This year's campaign focuses on pre-surgery fasting.
GLP-1 medications slow digestion meaning standard fasting may not fully empty the stomach. This increases the risk of pulmonary aspiration (inhaling stomach contents into the lungs) under general anaesthesia, a potentially severe complication.
ANZCA President Dr Tanya Selak said anaesthetists need to know about GLP-1 use to keep patients safe.
"Someone can follow their pre-surgery fasting instructions to the letter and still have food in their stomach if they're taking a GLP-1 medication. That's why an anaesthetist needs to know, even before a minor or cosmetic procedure," Dr Selak said.
Non-disclosure goes beyond GLP-1s
About one in five (22 per cent) of those who have had an anaesthetic admitted to withholding or forgetting to share health information with an anaesthetist before a procedure. Only 52 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds said they always tell their anaesthetist everything, compared with 74 per cent across all age groups.
Leaving out information such as medications, alcohol, recreational drug use, smoking or vaping can unpredictably alter how a patient responds to anaesthesia.
"Fasting guidelines are a starting point, not a one-size-fits-all rule. Anaesthetists tailor their advice to each patient's medications, lifestyle and health history. Nothing you tell us is too small, and we are never there to judge," Dr Selak said.
ANZCA has updated its fasting guidelines to include guidance for people taking GLP-1 medications and other peptides. Information and a fact sheet can be found here.
