The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has reported a total of 82 deaths linked to weight-loss and diabetes medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro in Britain.

As of the end of January 2025, there were 18 fatalities connected specifically to Mounjaro, with additional reports indicating 29 deaths associated with semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy) and 35 linked to liraglutide (Victoza).

It's important to note that the reported deaths are not definitively linked to these medications, as the Yellow Card scheme indicates only a suspicion of a causal relationship.

In light of these concerns, the Society for Acute Medicine is calling for stricter controls over the prescription of weight-loss medications.

Healthcare professionals are being urged to carefully assess the necessity of these medications for their patients, especially those experiencing side effects.

Dr. Martin Michaelis has cautioned that all drugs carry potential risks and side effects, emphasizing the need for weight loss medications to be used under qualified healthcare guidance.

Common side effects of these medications include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, with warnings about potential life-threatening complications such as seizures and bowel obstruction.

The NHS advises against using anti-obesity medications that are not prescribed, highlighting the risks of serious side effects.

Despite the risks, semaglutide has been recognized for its potential benefits, including reducing alcohol cravings and improving heart health.

Currently, around 500,000 people in the UK are using weight-loss injections like Mounjaro and Ozempic, with some users reportedly losing up to 22.5% of their weight within 18 months.

Manufacturers Lilly UK and Novo Nordisk have reiterated their commitment to patient safety and the importance of monitoring safety data for their medications.

The first reported death linked to a weight-loss injection in Britain was that of Susan McGowan, who died after complications from Mounjaro, highlighting the serious risks associated with these drugs.