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?”
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