More than 200 individuals have filed reports to health authorities suspecting that deaths may be linked to the ingredients found in weight loss injections such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, as per newly released data.
Information obtained from the Yellow Card Scheme of the Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) reveals that over 200 people have documented deaths they believe are associated with these drugs, with an additional 150,000 individuals reporting adverse effects. Reports encompass various brands and highlight issues like gastrointestinal complications experienced during the treatment.
Concerns from the public regarding deaths are primarily tied to the active components of popular injections and diabetes medications like Ozempic.
MHRA data discloses that there have been 106,189 adverse reactions, including gastrointestinal problems, and 120 deaths reported concerning tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro. Additionally, individuals reported 48,089 reactions and 59 suspected deaths related to semaglutide, the key ingredient in the weight-loss medication Wegovy.
Semaglutide is also utilized in diabetes treatments such as Ozempic and Rybelsus. A total of 4,491 adverse reactions and 37 deaths were linked to liraglutide, sold under the brand Saxenda.
The MHRA emphasized that reports of adverse reactions submitted to the Yellow Card Scheme do not definitively indicate that the medicine caused the reaction or death, but rather signify the reporter’s suspicion.
A spokesperson for the MHRA stated, “It is crucial to consider these reports within the context of the millions of GLP-1 prescriptions dispensed in the UK.”
“Reporting patterns may be influenced by increased usage, heightened awareness of potential adverse reactions, and other factors. The safety of GLP-1s is continuously monitored, incorporating emerging data from spontaneous reports and scientific literature.”
“Any updates regarding the safety of these medications will be promptly communicated to patients and healthcare professionals, with appropriate measures taken to address any identified risks.”
Following the recent developments, Health Secretary Yvette Cooper assured the public via LBC Radio that a robust regulatory framework is in place to record and analyze any adverse reactions to weight loss medications.
Three types of weight-loss injections are currently accessible in the UK through the NHS – Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Saxenda, with Wegovy being the most widely used. Researchers from University College London estimated that between early 2024 and 2025, approximately 1.6 million individuals in England, Wales, and Scotland resorted to drugs to aid in weight loss.
Furthermore, an additional 3.3 million people are projected to use these medications in the near future. Professor Sarah Jackson, the lead researcher, emphasized that these figures significantly surpass NHS England’s initial prescription target for the drugs.
She noted, “Our data indicates that around 4.9 million adults in Great Britain have either recently used or expressed interest in using weight loss drugs. This usage far exceeds NHS England’s original goal of prescribing these drugs to 220,000 individuals over three years.”
“We lack information on the BMI or health conditions of our survey respondents, making it unclear whether this reflects genuine medical necessity or potential misuse among individuals with a healthy weight.”
“Future data collection efforts are crucial to monitor evolving trends. With many individuals using these drugs without medical supervision, there is a significant risk of misuse. NHS prescribing data provides only a partial view of the situation.”
According to NHS inform, common side effects of weight loss medications may include constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, headaches, fatigue, and low blood sugar levels. Less frequently, individuals might experience vision changes, kidney issues, pancreatitis, gallbladder complications, or allergic reactions.