Evidence-graded answer
Do GLP-1 medications cause gallstones?
Yes — rapid weight loss of any kind increases gallstone risk, and GLP-1 trials show ~1-3% incidence of cholelithiasis vs ~0.5% placebo. The risk is weight-loss mediated, not drug-specific.
STEP-1 reported gallbladder-related adverse events in 2.6% of treated patients vs 1.2% placebo.
Practical: report persistent right-upper-quadrant pain, nausea after fatty meals, or jaundice promptly — typical workup is ultrasound.
Mitigation: gradual weight loss (≤1-2 lb/week), maintained protein intake, occasional fat in meals (very low-fat diets accelerate stone formation).