A prominent UK surgeon has issued a stark warning over a new and devastating side-effect emerging in users of popular weight-loss injections. The alarming trend involves nerve dysfunction that can leave patients unable to lift their limbs, a condition known as foot drop.
The Surgeon's Warning
One of the UK's leading orthopaedic surgeons, Tim Sinnett, has stated that he expects to see more patients presenting these symptoms over time. Mr Sinnett, a Foot and Ankle Surgeon with the prestigious Grosvenor Orthopaedic Partners group, revealed a concerning pattern he has observed in his clinic.
'In the past six months, I have seen a handful of patients with foot drop related to weight-loss jabs - a phenomenon which has only presented itself this year,' he said. He directly links the condition to the rapid weight loss associated with these medications.
How Rapid Weight Loss Causes Nerve Issues
Mr Sinnett explained the biological mechanism behind the problem. 'All nerves have a natural rim of fat around them. Suddenly losing weight, and the fat surrounding nerves, can cause this nerve dysfunction in the foot and ankle.'
This damage manifests as foot drop, where patients have difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, causing it to drag on the floor while walking. While weight loss is generally beneficial for reducing force on joints, the speed of the weight loss appears to be the critical factor causing the nerves to malfunction.
Treatment and Prognosis for Patients
The path to recovery is neither quick nor easy. 'Luckily, the nerves are not damaged; however, restoring their function takes time and months of physio,' Mr Sinnett noted. Treatment often involves the use of a splint to assist with walking, but it is a slow process that also requires patients to stabilise their weight, which can be challenging.
With an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK currently using GLP-1 drugs, many may be unaware of this potential risk. Mr Sinnett cautioned that there is unfortunately 'no way of preventing foot drop' for those on the jabs and believes this is 'just the start of the trend'. He suspects many more cases are going unreported or undiagnosed.
This warning comes amidst broader safety concerns. Earlier this month, it was revealed that UK watchdogs have received 52 fatal reports linked to GLP-1 injections since the beginning of 2024. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has received a total of 173 'reports with fatal outcomes' connected to these drugs.
Experts like Tam Fry, chair of the National Obesity Forum, have emphasised that while these drugs are hugely effective for those who need them, they are being used 'inappropriately' by some, leading to severe complications or even death.
