Rising Concerns Over Weight-Loss Jabs as Dozens of Deaths Reported in UK

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The number of deaths linked to weight-loss and diabetes medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro has risen to 82 in the UK, according to newly released figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This growing toll has sparked fresh concerns regarding the safety of these increasingly popular injections.

 

According to the data, 22 individuals died after using these drugs for weight loss, while 60 fatalities were associated with their use in treating type 2 diabetes. Alison Cave, the chief safety officer at the MHRA, emphasized the importance of careful medical oversight, stating, “The decision to start, continue or stop treatments should be made jointly by patients and their doctor, based on full consideration of benefits and risks.”

 

The popularity of these medications has surged, with approximately 500,000 Britons currently using them. Many individuals have reported significant weight loss, with some shedding up to 22.5% of their body weight within 18 months. In response to this trend, the NHS is preparing to offer Mounjaro to severely obese patients.

 

Wegovy, a higher-dose version of Ozempic initially designed to treat diabetes, was introduced to the NHS in September last year. However, access remains restricted to specialist weight-loss clinics in certain parts of England. Around 4.1 million people qualify for Wegovy under NHS guidelines, which require a body mass index (BMI) over 35 along with associated health conditions. Meanwhile, the private sector allows access to those with a BMI of 30 or above, making the treatment available to approximately 15 million adults.

 

The latest MHRA figures indicate that 18 deaths were directly linked to Mounjaro, while 29 were associated with the use of Ozempic, Rybelsus, or Wegovy, all of which contain the active ingredient semaglutide. An additional 35 fatalities were linked to Saxenda and Victoza, which contain liraglutide.

 

Among the reported cases is Susan McGowan, a 58-year-old Scottish nurse who passed away last year after taking two low-dose injections of Mounjaro over a two-week period. Investigations have also uncovered nearly 400 hospital admissions related to the use of weight-loss drugs.

 

The NHS has issued a warning on its website, advising against taking anti-obesity medications unless they have been prescribed by a medical professional. “Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects,” the advisory states.

 

Despite safety concerns, semaglutide has been widely regarded as a breakthrough drug. Studies suggest it may not only aid weight loss but also reduce alcohol cravings and slow markers of aging. Research involving two million participants has linked the medication to improved heart health, a reduced risk of infections, lower rates of drug abuse, and fewer cases of dementia.

 

Lilly UK, the company behind Mounjaro, reaffirmed its commitment to patient safety, stating, “Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data.” The manufacturer emphasized that ensuring the well-being of patients remains its “top priority.”

 

Based on a report by The Times  2025-02-24

 

 

[ronster]

How many were people not getting it from their doctors though and were buying it and taking it themselves ?

[Snackbar]

labour’s get Britain working golden goose.

 

How long before 96 dead turns into 100s

[impulse]

Scary as that is, as long as people are aware of the risks, it should be their decision.  I suspect a lot of people drop dead of heart attacks while running to lose weight, too.

 

Good to see the information being honestly depicted (assuming that's the case).

 

Of course, that leaves out the issue of public funding for the jabs themselves and the cost of treating any aftermath if people do decide to go down that road.  That's the sticky part, IMO.  For which I have no opinion, being from the US where we don't have an NHS.