The Rising Concerns Over Weight-Loss Drugs in the UK
The number of individuals in the UK who have died after using weight-loss medications has alarmingly increased to 82, as revealed by official statistics. Many of these fatalities are suspected to be linked to the growing popularity of injectables such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, according to data from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Medical professionals have expressed that while the figures are concerning, there is still insufficient information to directly attribute these deaths to the drugs, urging for a more in-depth investigation by the MHRA.
Current Death Toll Linked to Weight-Loss Medications
The latest MHRA data, released this week, indicates that 22 deaths are suspected to be related to the use of these medications specifically for weight loss, as of the end of January 2025. In addition, another 60 fatalities have been associated with the use of these injectable drugs for treating type 2 diabetes. Approximately 400 individuals have reportedly been hospitalized after taking these weight-loss and diabetes medications.
It is crucial to note that the MHRA has clarified that these figures do not definitively imply that the drugs caused the deaths or hospitalizations; rather, they indicate that there was a suspicion that the medications might have played a role. The data regarding adverse reactions, including hospitalizations and fatalities, are collected through the regulator’s “yellow card” scheme, which monitors reports of adverse reactions to medications to identify any concerning patterns.
- Since 2019, reports of adverse reactions linked to weight-loss injectables, known as GLP-1 agonists, have been recorded.
- Among the reported deaths, 18 have been associated with tirzepatide (marketed as Mounjaro).
- 29 fatalities have been linked to semaglutide (sold as Ozempic and Wegovy).
- Additionally, 35 deaths are associated with liraglutide (available as Saxenda and Victoza).
Should Users of These Medications Be Alarmed?
Medical experts are calling for the MHRA to conduct further investigations to better understand the extent to which weight-loss drugs may have been a contributing factor in these fatalities. Professor Alexander Miras, a clinical professor of medicine at Ulster University, commented, “While the number of deaths is concerning, we need to ascertain the extent to which these medications may be implicated in these cases.” He emphasized the necessity for the MHRA to explore any potentially new side effects that may not yet be known.
Some patients have reported gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as side effects of the weight-loss injectables. The most frequently reported side effects, affecting more than 10% of users, include gastrointestinal complications. There is also a lesser-known risk of gastritis and pancreatitis associated with these medications.
Experts have raised concerns about the ease of obtaining unlicensed, black-market versions of these medications through social media platforms. They warn that some individuals, potentially influenced by celebrity endorsements, may be using these drugs without appropriate medical supervision. Recent incidents, such as the arrest of two women by Northumbria Police following the death of a woman in Sunderland who had taken a suspected unauthorized weight-loss drug, highlight the risks involved. This incident followed the tragic death of nurse Susan McGowan from North Lanarkshire, who had reportedly taken Mounjaro purchased through an online pharmacy.
Professor Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, expressed her concern regarding the fatality figures related to weight-loss injections and welcomed further investigation by the MHRA to better understand any potential risks. Conversely, Professor Naveed Sattar, a heart specialist at the University of Glasgow, cautioned against overstating the significance of these figures, noting, “While there is a link to weight-loss drugs, it has not been established that they are the direct cause of death.” He added that a detailed examination of these cases might reveal insights into the appropriateness of how individuals are obtaining these medications.
Considering that there may be tens of thousands, possibly even hundreds of thousands, of people using these drugs in the UK, the number of reported fatalities remains relatively small. Sadly, some individuals may succumb to their pre-existing health conditions regardless of the medications they are taking. Some studies suggest that weight-loss medications could actually lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Dr. Alison Cave, the MHRA’s chief safety officer, reiterated that a report of an adverse reaction, hospitalization, or death does not necessarily indicate that the medicine caused the event; it simply reflects that the reporter suspected a possible connection. She emphasized that underlying health issues may be responsible for such outcomes, or the events might be coincidental. Dr. Cave pointed out that new medications, including weight-loss drugs, are subject to intensive monitoring to promptly identify any emerging safety concerns. She concluded by stating that, based on current evidence, the benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) outweigh the potential risks when used for their approved indications.
Manufacturers’ Stance on Safety
Manufacturers of weight-loss drugs assert that their products have undergone extensive trials and evaluations before being made available to patients, and they closely monitor any reported side effects. A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, which produces Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, and Victoza, stated that the safety of these medications has been “thoroughly examined in robust clinical development programs and real-world evidence studies.” They emphasized that patient safety remains their top priority and they consistently gather safety data on their marketed GLP-1 RA medicines while collaborating with authorities to ensure patient safety.
Similarly, a spokesperson for Lilly UK, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, reiterated that patient safety is their “top priority,” underscoring their confidence in the drug based on extensive clinical trials. They also highlighted their active role in monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety information to the UK MHRA, encouraging healthcare professionals and others to utilize the MHRA yellow card adverse event reporting process.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care remarked that weight-loss medications could be “game-changers in tackling obesity,” but they also cautioned that these drugs are not a quick solution for shedding a few pounds.
