JAKARTA - Hundreds of British residents are reported to have experienced disorders in the pancreas after using GLP-1-based weight loss drugs. Although the direct relationship has not been scientifically proven, local health authorities warn that the risk of serious side effects still needs to be considered.
The British medicines and health products regulatory agency (MHRA) said weight loss injections such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro have a rare chance of causing acute pancreatitis, which is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas.
Symptoms to be aware of include severe and persistent abdominal pain that can spread to the back. This condition is also often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Users who feel these complaints are asked to immediately seek medical help.
So far, there have been hundreds of reports of acute and chronic pancreatitis from patients using GLP-1 drugs. However, these reports have not proven that the drugs are the direct cause of pancreatic inflammation.
It is estimated that around 1.6 million adults in England, Wales, and Scotland have used this type of drug in the past year. GLP-1 drugs are becoming increasingly popular because they are considered effective in helping to lose weight and control blood sugar levels, especially in people with type 2 diabetes.
MHRA safety officer in charge, Dr Alison Cave, confirmed that in general GLP-1 drugs are safe for most patients.
"For most patients prescribed GLP-1 drugs, these drugs are safe and effective and provide significant health benefits," he said, quoted from the BBC website on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Dr Cave said the occurrence of these serious side effects is very small, but it is important for patients and health workers to know and be aware of the related symptoms.
"If you or someone you are caring for is taking a GLP-1 medicine and experiencing symptoms such as persistent severe abdominal pain, which can spread to the back and be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, we recommend consulting a health care professional immediately and reporting it through our Yellow Card scheme," he said.
The pancreas is a small organ located behind the stomach and plays an important role in the digestive process. Most people with acute pancreatitis usually improve within about a week without any further problems. However, in severe cases, this condition can cause serious complications.
The MHRA also emphasized that GLP-1 drugs should only be used based on a prescription from a professional health worker. Patients are encouraged to discuss the benefits and risks of the drug before starting to use it or before making any changes to the treatment, including changing the brand of the drug.
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