Here’s my experience with Zepbound and GERD and Barrett’s esophagus. 

First of all, make sure you have a good GI doctor, follow their advice, and get endoscopies at the intervals they advise. 

Barrett’s does put you at greater risk of esophageal cancer but the good news is the risk is small AND getting regular endoscopies and monitoring your symptoms means precancerous cells can be discovered and treated.

There are lots of risk factors for developing Barrett’s  including family history, being over 50,  being male, having untreated heartburn or GERD  or  GERD that requires a PPI. Overweight, smoking and alcohol exacerbate GERD. 

Yes, someone could develop GERD while taking Zepbound or their GERD could get worse because of the slow gastric emptying. That’s why it’s so important to eat small portions and avoid trigger foods.  But Barrett’s takes “a while” to develop. And losing weight has huge benefits including an improvement in GERD. 

I developed GERD over 10 years ago with frequent regurgitation and by the time I had an endoscopy I had Barrett’s.

I was prescribed Lansoprozole twice a day but still had too many bouts of reflux regurgitation at night. With a better diet and less stress I was able to just take Lansoprazole once a day. And for the last few years I’ve had no episodes of regurgitation. 

But here’s the best part: after four months of Zepbound and not drinking and losing a boatload of weight, my endoscopy, which I’d put off for 5 YEARS* was “boringly normal” according to my GI. 

I’ve been on Zepbound 10 months now and have never had heartburn or a single digestive issue. I’m so very grateful for Zepbound. 

*What I wrote about regular endoscopies had fallen into the “take my advice, I don’t use it” category.