Do Weight-Loss Injections Like Ozempic and Mounjaro Cause Haemorrhoids?
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The rise of GLP-1 injections has transformed treatment in the UK — but doctors are now of a and common side effect: haemorrhoids.
such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have helped hundreds of of people lose of weight by appetite, and curbing “food noise”. While the health benefits can be substantial, particularly for those with conditions, these drugs are not side .
nausea, vomiting and constipation, are now seeing a marked in haemorrhoids (piles) among patients using GLP-1 — a condition that can be painful, distressing and, in some cases, for more serious disease.
A Surge in Haemorrhoids Linked to Weight-Loss Jabs
Dr Ross Perry, founder and of Skin Clinics and a former NHS GP, says his clinics have seen a significant rise in presenting with while taking GLP-1 drugs.
“We’ve seen a gradual increase in patients with the problem over the past year as the popularity of GLP-1 drugs has soared.
There’s been a 41 per cent rise in the last six months alone of patients with haemorrhoids, and many of those, both men and women in almost equal numbers, tell us they’re on drugs like Mounjaro and Ozempic and have seen significant bowel changes which have led to the problem.
Weight loss drugs are generally well tolerated. But when doses increase, this can lead to piles – and we know this because we ask those questions during consultations.
On top of that, many patients are hitting the gym to counter muscle loss caused by the weight loss – but weight training can involve straining, which can make haemorrhoids worse.”
Why Do GLP-1 Drugs Affect the Bowels?
GLP-1 medications work by emptying and gut motility, people feel fuller for longer. While this is central to their effectiveness, it can also disrupt normal bowel habits.
Dr Perry explains:
“GLP-1 medications cause delayed gastric emptying and slower gut motility, which makes stools drier and harder.
That leads to constipation, and more straining when opening your bowels, which in turn causes piles, small tears and anal skin tags.”
Constipation and are among the most common for haemorrhoids, when prolonged over weeks or months.
What Are Haemorrhoids?
According to the NHS, haemorrhoids are swollen blood inside or around the anus. may include:
For some people, symptoms settle within days. For others, they can become and severely affect quality of life.
When Should You Seek Help?
Many patients delay due to embarrassment, but this can worsen symptoms.
Dr Perry says:
“Many of the patients we see have suffered in silence for quite a while, but eventually it reaches a tipping point where their discomfort becomes unmanageable.
If the haemorrhoid has started to swell and protrude so that every toilet trip is painful, that’s when people often decide they need help urgently.”
Anyone experiencing rectal symptoms should speak to their GP to rule out other causes.
Managing and Preventing Haemorrhoids on Weight-Loss Jabs
Dr Perry notes:
“Most GPs will recommend conservative treatments first – things like improving diet, avoiding straining, and trying over-the-counter creams or suppositories such as Anusol.”
Medical and Specialist Haemorrhoid Treatments
When symptoms persist or become severe, to a specialist may be .
At Cosmedics, treatment options include:
Important Warning Signs Not to Ignore
While haemorrhoids are common, rectal bleeding should never be assumed to be harmless.
Dr Perry cautions:
“Anybody with rectal bleeding that doesn’t go away should see their GP – you can’t just assume that it’s piles.
If haemorrhoids keep coming back or you have other symptoms like weight loss or ongoing bowel changes, it’s vital to get checked.”
that require urgent include:
Some of these can with serious conditions, including bowel cancer.
The Bottom Line
Weight-loss such as Ozempic, Wegovy and have obesity — but they also bring real side effects that deserve .
are common among GLP-1 users, particularly as doses rise and lifestyle lag behind rapid weight loss. The good news is that are available, and early can long-term .
If you are experiencing ongoing symptoms, do not suffer in . Medical assessment is — both to treat haemorrhoids and to rule out more serious causes.
Dr Perry’s were featured in an article on The Sun .
As a GP and founder of Skin Clinics, Ross expert and advises the media on a range of and health-related issues.
He has in skin surgery and melanoma; having removed thousands of moles in his career, both within the NHS and privately through Cosmedics Skin Clinics. He has expert advice on and sun protection for a variety of UK media and publications.
He also on the latest and .
Cosmedics Skin Clinics
Cosmedics Skin was established in 2003 and has built up an for and , carried out by GMC Registered . The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip and wrinkle injections, dermal fillers; plus mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive injections.
Cosmedics Skin Clinics has a team of skin treatment doctors and surgeons in their 4 across London and Bristol led by Dr Ross Perry.
Call or email to book an appointment.
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