The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has flagged serious safety concerns around popular GLP-1 weight-loss jabs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, linking them to hundreds of cases of pancreatitis and at least 10 reported deaths. As these drugs gain popularity in India, experts are calling for tighter regulation and public awareness of rare but life-threatening side effects.

Key highlights

Hundreds of cases reported

• 294 cases of acute and chronic pancreatitis reported in the UK among users of GLP-1 drugs including semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro).

• 10 total deaths linked across several GLP-1 drugs like liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, and lixisenatide.

MHRA to launch genetic risk study

• MHRA has initiated a study in partnership with Genomics England to explore genetic predisposition to side effects.

• Yellow Card Biobank project will collect data to identify patients most at risk of adverse drug reactions.

India’s growing use and rising concerns

• With rising obesity and diabetes rates, India is witnessing growing interest in GLP-1 drugs.

• Experts warn that unregulated private use, especially without proper monitoring, could heighten health risks.

Expert views on benefits vs risks

• While rare, cases of pancreatitis have raised alarms, especially with self-medication trends.

• Physicians emphasize the importance of medical supervision and genetic screening for high-risk individuals.

Statements from Leaders or Officials
For the vast majority of people, these drugs will help with weight loss and are overwhelmingly safe. But for a small number, serious side effects like pancreatitis can occur,” said Dr Simon Cork, Anglia Ruskin University.

As India moves toward broader access to weight-loss injections, authorities must balance accessibility with patient safety. Genetic risk profiling, prescription-only access, and public education could be key to ensuring responsible usage of these high-demand medications.