Abstract

Background/Objectives: Glucagon-like Peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) have increased in popularity for obesity management and treatment of various metabolic conditions. The medications, however, have significant side effects and carry a risk for adverse events. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of patients taking these medications presenting to the Emergency Department (ED). Methods: We conducted a multi-center retrospective study at two EDs: an urban level 1 trauma center and an academic quaternary medical center (combined annual census approximately 90,000) over a 9-year period (2017–2025). We collected data on all ED encounters involving patients taking GLP-1s, including dual GLP-1/GIP (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) agonists, at the time of admission, including demographic information, presenting complaints, comorbidities, and disposition. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to characterize GLP-1 patient encounters vs. non-GLP-1 patient encounters overall and by diabetes status. The change in encounters over the study period was also assessed. p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Over the 9-year study period, the proportion of ED encounters involving patients on GLP-1s increased from 0.4% in 2017 to 5.8% in 2025 (p < 0.001). Patients taking GLP-1s were more often female (53.9%), obese (59.4%), and middle-aged, ranging from 35 to 64 years of age (57.3%), and commonly presented with complaints of abdominal or other pain, weakness, or dizziness. Nearly three-quarters of all patients had a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score of 3 or higher (74.0%). These patients had a higher rate of inpatient admission from the ED (33.5% vs. 23.7%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The number of patients presenting to the ED who were taking GLP-1s significantly increased over time as these medications became more widely utilized. Patients taking GLP-1s were more often obese with multiple comorbidities and were more likely to be admitted for inpatient care. Further studies are needed to determine whether GLP-1 use independently influences emergency care utilization and the need for hospitalization.

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