Drugs originally developed for diabetes, such as Mounjaro and Ozempic, have gained international fame for their rapid weight loss effects, silencing 'food noise' and curbing appetite. However, a leading doctor has issued a stark warning that for some individuals, these 'miracle' injections can be incredibly dangerous and come with life-threatening side effects.
These medications mimic the GLP-1 hormone in the brain to suppress hunger signals, helping users feel full for longer. Yet, alongside significant weight loss, research has connected them to a myriad of adverse effects, including severe digestive issues, blindness, and organ damage.
Who is at risk from these injections?
Dr Dean Eggitt, a senior GP and CEO of the Doncaster Local Medical Committee, emphasises the importance of a proper medical assessment. 'If you're getting these drugs on the NHS, the risk is somewhat lower because your doctor has access to all your medical history,' he stated. 'But private physicians have very limited access to your records, and unless you're extremely open... you're putting yourself at risk.'
Jason Murphy, head of pharmacy Chemist4U, added that certain medical conditions completely rule out a prescription for these weight loss injections due to severe associated risks, while others require very careful consideration.
Specific health warnings and contraindications
Stomach and Bowel Problems: The active ingredient, semaglutide, causes gastrointestinal discomfort—including nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation—in up to 75% of users. Dr Eggitt warns that people with pre-existing conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are at particular risk. The drug slows gut transit time, which for someone already suffering from constipation could lead to a physical blockage, a torn bowel wall, and a life-threatening infection called peritonitis.
Eating Disorders: There is growing concern about these drugs being used by people with restrictive eating disorders like anorexia. 'People with restrictive eating disorders often use other medicines to catalyse the weight change,' Dr Eggitt explained. Using an appetite suppressant when someone is already fixated on weight loss is, in his words, 'essentially dicing with death.' He attributes part of the problem to distance prescribing, which allows vulnerable individuals to access these potentially lethal drugs.
Family History of Thyroid Cancer: Jason Murphy highlighted that 'one of the more serious side effects... is the development of thyroid tumours.' While evidence is conflicting, with some studies showing an increased risk and others not, he stressed that anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not take these jabs.
Type 1 Diabetes: For individuals with Type 1 diabetes, the interaction between their insulin medication and weight loss injections can cause blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low, a condition known as hypoglycemia. This can lead to symptoms like dizziness, anxiety, heart palpitations, and even seizures.
Medication Interactions: GLP-1 drugs slow stomach emptying, which can reduce the absorption and efficacy of other orally taken medications. Dr Eggitt specifically named the combined oral contraceptive pill and anti-epileptic medication as being at risk of becoming ineffective. The MHRA has already advised women on these jabs to use barrier contraception to avoid unintended pregnancy.
The national verdict and death toll
While millions in the UK take these drugs safely, experts warn that no medication is without risk. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has received 173 reports with fatal outcomes linked to GLP-1 injections since their introduction, with over 50 of these deaths occurring since the start of 2024.
Tam Fry, chair of the National Obesity Forum, acknowledged that the jabs are 'game changers' for tackling the obesity crisis but claimed they are being used 'inappropriately' by people who simply 'fancy losing a bit of weight.' He warned, 'If you take them and you don't need them... you run the risk of serious complications – or death.'
Compounding the issue is the rise of illegal, knock-off versions of the drugs, often advertised on social media, which pose an even greater, unregulated threat to public health.
