More than 200 individuals have submitted reports to health authorities suspecting that deaths might be linked to the ingredients found in weight loss injections such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, based on the latest data. The Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) Yellow Card Scheme data reveals that over 200 people have raised concerns about deaths they believe are associated with these drugs, along with more than 150,000 reports of adverse reactions. These reports cover various brands and highlight issues like gastrointestinal problems experienced while using these medications.
Public reports of deaths are primarily focused on the active components of popular injections and diabetes treatments like Ozempic. Data from MHRA indicates that there have been 106,189 reported adverse reactions, including gastrointestinal issues, and 120 deaths related to tirzepatide, sold under the brand Mounjaro. Similarly, individuals reported 48,089 reactions and 59 deaths suspected to be linked to semaglutide, the key ingredient in the weight-loss drug Wegovy.
Semaglutide is also utilized in diabetes treatments like Ozempic and Rybelsus. Concerning liraglutide, marketed as Saxenda, a total of 4,491 adverse reactions and 37 deaths were reported as potentially linked to its usage. MHRA emphasizes that reports of adverse reactions through the Yellow Card Scheme do not necessarily prove causation between the medicine and the reported event, only that the reporter suspects a possible connection.
An MHRA spokesperson highlighted the importance of considering the vast number of GLP-1 prescriptions in the UK when analyzing these reports. They pointed out that reporting volumes may be influenced by increased usage, improved awareness of potential adverse effects, and other factors. The spokesperson reassured that the safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists is continuously monitored, and any updates regarding their safety would be promptly communicated to patients and healthcare professionals.
In response to the recent news, Health Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the rigorous regulatory framework in place to record and analyze any adverse reactions to weight loss drugs. Currently, three types of weight-loss injections – Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Saxenda – are accessible through the NHS in the UK, with Wegovy being the most preferred option. Researchers estimated that 1.6 million individuals in England, Wales, and Scotland used weight-loss drugs between early 2024 and 2025, with a projected 3.3 million more individuals expected to use these drugs in the future.
Lead researcher Professor Sarah Jackson from UCL’s Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care highlighted that the usage of weight-loss drugs surpasses NHS England’s initial target of prescribing these medications to 220,000 people over three years. She emphasized the need for detailed data monitoring to understand trends over time, especially since many individuals use these drugs without medical supervision, raising concerns of potential misuse.
Common side effects of weight loss drugs, according to NHS inform, include constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, headaches, fatigue, and low blood sugar. Less frequently reported side effects may include vision changes, kidney issues, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, or allergic reactions.