The rare but serious risk hiding in weight-loss injections

Following a rise in reports of side effects, the U.K. has updated its guidance on weight-loss injections.

 

U.K. updates GLP-1 guidance after rise in pancreatitis reports The U.K.'s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency recently updated its guidance on weight-loss injections following a rise in cases of pancreatitis. Between 2007 and October 2025, the agency received 1,296 reports of pancreatitis linked to GLP-1 drugs, with 19 fatalities. The raw numbers sound alarming, but experts urge perspective. Pancreatitis affects 0.27% to 2.2% of GLP-1 users, rare enough to be classified "uncommon." "The risk of pancreatitis with GLP-1 agonist medications is well-documented, though the incidence remains very low," explained Mir Ali, MD, a bariatric surgeon. "The increase in reported cases is likely due to the widespread use of these medications." Risk factors play a major part, with heavy alcohol use, gallstones, high triglyceride levels, or previous pancreatic disease increasing the odds. The warning signs include severe upper-middle abdominal pain radiating to the back, particularly pain that worsens after eating or lying down, and persistent nausea. Some patients report vaguer symptoms: bloating, feeling full early in a meal, and discomfort that doesn't respond to typical remedies. David Cutler, MD, notes that while pancreatitis remains a recognized risk, "there are other studies citing no increased risk." For the complete symptom checklist and expert guidance on weighing risks versus benefits, jump to "Pancreatitis with weight loss jabs: How high is the risk?" Also making headlines this week: 💉 Novo Nordisk's experimental combo drug beats Wegovy in weight loss trial 🧠 6 weeks on keto diet improved symptoms in treatment-resistant depression 💊 Landmark review clears statins of causing memory loss and weight gain We love to hear from you, so please email us if you have any feedback, comments, or questions about this weekend's Sunday Supplement. Stay informed and stay healthy! Tim Snaith Newsletter Editor, Medical News Today

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