Weight loss injections such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, originally developed for diabetes management, are now linked to a growing number of haemorrhoid cases, doctors have warned.
Dr Ross Perry, medical director at Cosmedics Skin Clinics in London and Bristol, said an increasing number of patients on GLP-1 agonist medications report significant bowel changes, including constipation and haemorrhoids. These side effects are exacerbated for those who also increase their exercise or weight training, leading to more straining during bowel movements.
Haemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen blood vessels around the anus that can become painful and protrude when excessive pressure is applied. GLP-1 drugs slow the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract, making stools harder and drier, which contributes to the condition.
“There’s been a 41 per cent rise in haemorrhoid cases over the last six months among patients on these drugs,” Dr Perry told The Sun. “Weight loss is generally well-tolerated, but higher doses and added physical strain can trigger piles.”
Patients have shared experiences online detailing painful haemorrhoids after using Ozempic or Mounjaro, even with proper hydration and fiber intake. One 59-year-old woman reported developing haemorrhoids after losing 40 pounds on Ozempic in six months.
While small haemorrhoids can improve with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments, severe or chronic cases may require medical interventions such as banding, infrared therapy, or injections.
Health experts emphasize that, while weight loss injections are effective tools against obesity, they are not risk-free. The NHS advises that anti-obesity medications should only be taken under medical supervision, particularly as illegal or counterfeit versions are increasingly available on social media.
Medical professionals continue to stress careful monitoring for side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, in patients using GLP-1 weight loss therapies.
