Short answer: There is no strong evidence that GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic, Wegovy, or the GLP-1/GIP drug tirzepatide) cause kidney stones. In fact, some early observational studies suggest the risk may be lower, not higher, in people taking them — but that evidence is limited and not proven. The practical concerns are staying hydrated and, separately, the higher stone risk that comes with weight-loss surgery (a different treatment).
What we do — and don’t — know.
- Direct cause? GLP-1 drugs are not known to cause kidney stones directly. Kidney stones form when urine becomes concentrated or chemically prone to crystallizing; the drugs themselves don’t have a clear stone-forming mechanism.
- Some data point the other way. Several large real-world (observational) studies have reported a lower rate of kidney stones in people taking GLP-1 drugs. For example, in people with obesity and a prior stone history, one analysis found fewer stone events on a GLP-1 drug than off it (about 27% vs 43%), and lower rates of first-time stones as well. Observational studies can’t prove cause and effect — this remains an open question — but they argue against a stone-raising effect, and possibly toward a protective one (perhaps through weight loss and lower urinary oxalate).
Where a real stone risk does come in.
- Dehydration. The stomach side effects of these drugs — nausea, vomiting, diarrhea — can leave you under-hydrated, and low fluid intake concentrates the urine, which can favor stones. This is a good, simple reason to keep your fluids up, especially if you’ve had stones before.
- Weight-loss (bariatric) surgery — a separate treatment. This is the clearer stone story. Malabsorptive procedures (like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) can raise the body’s absorption of oxalate, leading to enteric hyperoxaluria and a higher risk of oxalate kidney stones — and, rarely, oxalate deposits in the kidney. If your weight-loss plan includes surgery, ask specifically about stone prevention. (This risk is about the surgery, not the GLP-1 drug.)
Practical takeaways.
- Hydrate — aim to keep your urine pale, and drink more when you have any nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- If you’re a stone former, tell your clinician; they may check your urine chemistry and give targeted advice.
- If weight-loss surgery is on the table, ask about oxalate and stone prevention specifically.
- Don’t avoid a GLP-1 drug solely out of fear of stones — the evidence does not support that fear, and the drug may even be neutral or protective.
Related: Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and Your Kidneys and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) and Your Kidneys.
Related questions
Can Ozempic or Wegovy give you kidney stones? There’s no clear evidence they cause stones, and some data suggest a lower risk. The main thing to manage is staying hydrated if the drug gives you stomach side effects.
Does weight-loss surgery cause kidney stones? Malabsorptive procedures (like gastric bypass) can raise oxalate absorption and the risk of oxalate stones. Ask your surgical team about prevention if you’re a stone former.
I’ve had kidney stones before — can I still take a GLP-1 drug? Usually yes. Focus on hydration and let your clinician know your stone history so they can advise on urine testing and prevention.
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Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Amir S. Naderi, MD, FASN. Last updated: July 8, 2026. Educational information only — not medical advice. Never change or stop a prescribed medication without talking to your doctor.