weight-loss jabs safety review follows UK pancreatitis reports

Published: 30 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The UK medicines regulator has issued a renewed safety reminder after reviewing reports linked to weight-loss jabs, urging patients to remain alert to rare but serious symptoms. The warning follows a sharp rise in reports of acute pancreatitis among people using injectable treatments designed for weight management and diabetes. Although regulators stress the overall risk remains low, the message reflects growing use across the country and the importance of informed, supervised treatment.

Over the past two years, weight-loss jabs have become increasingly visible in clinics and pharmacies. Research suggests around 1.6 million adults in England, Wales, and Scotland used GLP-1 medications between early 2024 and early 2025. These drugs, which include semaglutide and tirzepatide, were originally developed for diabetes but are now widely prescribed to support weight reduction. Their popularity has been fuelled by clinical trial results, celebrity endorsements, and growing concern about obesity-related illness.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, known as the MHRA, said it updated its guidance after analysing new data submitted to the Yellow Card scheme. This national system allows patients and professionals to report suspected side effects. While pancreatitis is already listed as an uncommon reaction, regulators noted a concentration of recent reports that warranted clearer public advice. Officials emphasised that most patients experience benefits without serious harm, but awareness remains essential.

Acute pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes suddenly inflamed, often causing severe abdominal pain. The pain can radiate to the back and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever. Many patients require hospital treatment, and recovery can take weeks. In rare cases, complications can be life-threatening, particularly when diagnosis or care is delayed.

According to MHRA figures, more than 1,100 reports of acute or chronic pancreatitis have been submitted in connection with GLP-1 medicines. Seventeen deaths were recorded among those reports, though regulators caution that such figures do not automatically prove the medicines caused the outcomes. Nearly all reports were logged during 2025, reflecting both rising usage and increased vigilance among clinicians.

Tirzepatide accounted for the majority of recent reports, followed by semaglutide. Smaller numbers were associated with older GLP-1 medicines such as liraglutide and dulaglutide. Patient information leaflets already describe pancreatitis as an uncommon side effect, affecting around one in one hundred users. The MHRA said the updated guidance aims to ensure symptoms are recognised early rather than to discourage appropriate prescribing.

Dr Alison Cave, the MHRA’s chief safety officer, said patient safety remains the agency’s highest priority. She explained that licensed GLP-1 medicines are considered safe and effective for most people when prescribed correctly. However, she added that even rare risks should be clearly communicated, especially as weight-loss jabs move from specialist clinics into more routine care settings.

Healthcare professionals have been reminded to discuss warning signs with patients before starting treatment. Individuals are advised to seek medical help if they develop severe, persistent abdominal pain, particularly if it spreads to the back. Reporting suspected side effects through the Yellow Card scheme also helps regulators monitor patterns and respond quickly to emerging concerns.

Alongside the updated guidance, the MHRA announced further research into why some patients may be more vulnerable. People taking GLP-1 medicines have been invited to participate in the Yellow Card Biobank study. This project, run with Genomics England, aims to explore whether genetic factors influence the likelihood of developing pancreatitis. Researchers hope findings could eventually support more personalised prescribing decisions.

The move reflects a broader shift in medicines regulation, where safety monitoring continues long after a drug reaches the market. As more people use weight-loss jabs for longer periods, real-world data becomes increasingly valuable. Regulators say such monitoring allows benefits to be balanced carefully against potential harms, particularly for medicines used by large populations.

Drug manufacturers responded by reiterating their commitment to safety. Novo Nordisk, which produces semaglutide under the brand names Wegovy and Ozempic, said patients should use the medicines only for approved indications and under medical supervision. The company said it continuously collects safety data and works closely with regulators worldwide.

Eli Lilly, the maker of tirzepatide marketed as Mounjaro, issued a similar statement. The company said pancreatitis is clearly listed as an uncommon side effect in patient information materials. It encouraged patients to speak with healthcare professionals about symptoms and to ensure medicines are obtained from legitimate sources, amid concerns about counterfeit products.

Clinicians note that the warning does not change existing prescribing rules. Instead, it reinforces the importance of careful assessment before treatment begins. Factors such as previous pancreatitis, gallstones, or heavy alcohol use may already influence clinical decisions. Doctors also emphasise that abrupt discontinuation without advice can create other health risks, especially for patients using the injections to manage diabetes.

Public health experts say the episode highlights the challenges of rapid uptake for new therapies. Obesity rates remain high across the UK, and effective treatments are urgently needed. Weight-loss jabs have shown significant benefits for many patients, including improved blood sugar control and reduced cardiovascular risk. At the same time, transparent communication about side effects helps maintain trust.

For patients currently using these medicines, regulators advise vigilance rather than alarm. Most people will never experience pancreatitis, and many tolerate treatment well. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt medical care can greatly reduce the chance of severe outcomes. Reporting concerns also contributes to a clearer understanding of long-term safety.

As research continues, regulators expect guidance to evolve. Genetic studies may eventually identify individuals at higher risk, allowing safer, more targeted use. Until then, the MHRA says informed conversations between patients and professionals remain the cornerstone of safe treatment with weight-loss jabs. The agency’s message is one of balance, recognising real benefits while ensuring rare risks are neither ignored nor exaggerated.

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