Heard About the GLP-1 Risk of GERD? Here's the Truth!
- Jennifer Hardy
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
GERD is about as unpleasant as it sounds, and new research shows there could be an increased risk for it among certain people taking GLP-1s like Ozempic or Zepbound.
These medications have changed the game for diabetes and weight management, but 2025 findings reveal a side effect that deserves more attention. Plus, we're going to sift through the data and bring you the details that matter, the context, and potential solutions.
One of the most important takeaways from this study is that:
It's not connected to all GLP-1s.
Not all GLP-1 users, even among those used in the study, were impacted.
There are ways to treat GERD, even if it is connected to certain GLP-1s.
What Is GERD?
GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. It happens when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. That backwash can irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, or a sour taste in your mouth.
Over time, untreated GERD can lead to complications such as inflammation, narrowing of the esophagus, or changes in the esophageal lining like Barrett’s esophagus. It’s a common condition, but when it becomes chronic, it needs medical attention.
While some people might use heartburn and GERD interchangeably, there's a difference.
GERD is a chronic condition. It’s ongoing acid reflux that happens often enough to cause irritation or complications in the esophagus.
Heartburn is a symptom. It’s that burning feeling in your chest or throat caused by stomach acid backing up occasionally.
While heartburn is a symptom of GERD, not everyone with heartburn has GERD.
GERD can also lead to other complications, such as esophagitis. I experienced this for years before I took steps to heal my throat and change my diet.
What Causes GERD?
GERD happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that acts like a valve between your esophagus and stomach, doesn’t close properly or relaxes at the wrong time. That lets stomach acid flow back up into the esophagus.
Several factors can contribute to this problem, including:
Obesity
Smoking
Certain foods and drinks that trigger reflux
Pregnancy
Some medications.
If you don't get GERD under control, you risk more pain and additional health issues, from tooth decay to esophageal cancer.
What's the GLP-1 and GERD Connection?
GERD and GLP-1s have been in headlines recently due to a new Canadian study that was done between 2012 and 2021, with a follow-up in 2022.
This is where context really matters if you're concerned about GERD and GLP-1s. First, the study tested older, established GLP‑1 receptor agonists. Specifically, semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza), exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon), and dulaglutide (Trulicity).
Second, the patient pool was not everyone on these medications. It specifically looked at adults with type 2 diabetes. People taking GLP‑1s solely for weight loss were not part of this research. That’s important because many headlines are implying this applies to all GLP‑1 users, when in reality, the data comes from a diabetic population.
"We also found that the risk for GERD was higher with long-acting GLP-1 (drug) use," researchers wrote.
Finally, tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) wasn’t even on the market during the years this study tracked, so it was not included. However, it's worth noting that heartburn is one of the known common side effects of Zepbound.
What About GLP-1s Can Lead to Heartburn or GERD?
GLP‑1 medications work in part by slowing down how quickly your stomach empties after you eat. That delay is one reason people feel full longer and see better blood sugar control. The trade‑off is that food and stomach acid sit in the stomach for a longer period, which raises the chance of acid creeping back up into the esophagus.
That backward flow is what causes heartburn, a burning sensation in your chest or throat that’s already listed as a known side effect in Zepbound’s prescribing information.
For some people, especially those who already have reflux issues or other risk factors, the effect of slower gastric emptying can tip the balance and trigger new or worse symptoms.
Knowing this doesn’t mean you need to avoid GLP‑1s altogether. It means you should be aware of how they work, watch for symptoms like heartburn or regurgitation, and bring them up with your healthcare provider before they become a bigger problem.
How to Treat Heartburn and GERD While Taking GLP-1s
While your healthcare provider can personalize a plan to deal with painful heartburn or the onset of GERD, you can take some steps to limit the risk. Most of this advice falls in line with what you should be doing nutritionally with GLP-1s anyway.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions that overfill your stomach.
Avoid lying down or going to bed within two to three hours after eating.
Take a walk after each meal to aid in digestion.
Limit trigger foods like spicy dishes, high‑fat meals, caffeine, and chocolate.
Cut back on alcohol and stop smoking, both of which can worsen reflux.
Elevate the head of your bed slightly if nighttime reflux is an issue. Use a mattress wedge or bed raisers to help prevent heartburn.
Take your GLP‑1 exactly as prescribed, and let your provider know right away if heartburn becomes frequent or severe.
I've also found that using a digestive enzyme after large meals and taking a daily probiotic helps prevent several side effects, like sulfur burps, gas, and heartburn. I've used the affordable Physician's Choice brand for six months on GLP-1s, and it has been a Godsend.
Final Thoughts on GLP-1s and GERD
Nothing in the studies suggests that GERD is a reason to stop GLP-1s. In fact, the health risks could be greater if you stop without consulting your doctor. Use antacids or prescription medicine to help keep the stomach acid down, but also follow nutritional guidelines, focus on healthy habits, and drink plenty of water.
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