GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Linked to Potentially Fatal Pancreatitis

UK Regulator Investigates Severe Side Effects, Including Deaths

Popular GLP-1 medications, widely used for their significant weight loss benefits, are now under scrutiny for potentially deadly side effects. The UK’s regulatory agency has received hundreds of reports linking these drugs to serious pancreatic issues, prompting an urgent investigation.

Pancreatitis Concerns Escalate

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has gathered nearly 400 reports from users experiencing severe pancreatic problems, with approximately 10 deaths attributed to this condition. While pancreatitis is considered an uncommon reaction, the severity and potential fatality have triggered a thorough inquiry.

The MHRA is examining whether individual genetic predispositions might influence the development of pancreatitis in patients using GLP-1 agonists. This investigation aims to provide a clearer understanding of the risks associated with these widely prescribed medications.

Manufacturers Emphasize Safety and Approved Use

Novo Nordisk, the producer of Ozempic and Wegovy, stated, “We recommend that patients take these medications only for their approved indications and under the strict supervision of a healthcare professional, who can also advise on potential side effects.” The company added, “The benefit-risk profile of our GLP-1 medicines remains positive, and we welcome any new research that will improve our understanding of treatments for people living with chronic diseases.”

Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, echoed these sentiments, asserting, “Patient safety is Lilly’s top priority. We take reports regarding patient safety seriously and actively monitor, evaluate, and report safety information for all our medicines.” A company spokesperson clarified, “Adverse events should be reported under the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme, but may be caused by other factors, including pre-existing conditions.”

Conflicting Study Data on Pancreatitis Risk

While a 2025 study highlighted that patients exposed to GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs) within 30 days were more than twice as likely to develop pancreatitis, a 2024 study offered a contrasting view. This real-world study did not find a higher frequency of acute pancreatitis with GLP-1RA exposure in adults with type 2 diabetes who had a prior history of the condition.

Between 2005 and 2023, data revealed 6,751 reports of acute pancreatitis linked to GLP-1 drugs. A case study detailed a 36-year-old woman in the United States who developed acute pancreatitis within five weeks of starting semaglutide therapy.

The MHRA’s investigation is ongoing, with results expected to provide further clarity on the association between GLP-1 drugs and pancreatitis. The agency encourages individuals experiencing adverse reactions to report them through the Yellow Card scheme.

Recent data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shows that between 2005 and late 2023, the agency received over 13,000 reports of pancreatitis associated with GLP-1 agonists and related drugs, with a significant portion occurring in the last few years as usage surged (FDA 2024).