The MHRA reports 111 deaths possibly linked to popular GLP-1 weight loss injections in the UK. Experts demand stricter prescription rules amid growing side effect concerns.

The use of popular weight loss injections in the UK has come under serious scrutiny after the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) revealed that 111 deaths have been reported in connection with these drugs as of May 29.

Although no death has been definitively attributed to the medications, the growing number of adverse reaction reports has raised alarm among health professionals and regulatory bodies.

GLP-1 Drugs Under the Microscope

The concerns center on GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs initially designed for diabetes management but increasingly prescribed—and used off-label—for weight loss. These medications, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, can result in up to 15% body weight reduction within a year.

The reported deaths were submitted by either healthcare professionals or family members of patients who allegedly suffered fatal reactions after using these drugs. While the MHRA stresses that these cases may be coincidental and linked to underlying health conditions or drug interactions, the volume of reports has prompted closer investigation.

Only One Confirmed Fatality So Far

Among all reported cases, only one death has been officially confirmed as directly linked to a GLP-1 injection. Susan McGowan, a 58-year-old nurse from Scotland, died after experiencing multi-organ failure, septic shock, and pancreatitis following just two doses of the medication.

Her death remains the only confirmed case of a fatal adverse reaction, but the incident has intensified public concern and regulatory pressure.

Death Reports by Medication

Here’s a breakdown of deaths associated with individual medications:

• Liraglutide: 37 deaths
• Tirzepatide: 33 deaths
• Semaglutide: 30 deaths
• Dulaglutide: 7 deaths
• Lixisenatide: 5 deaths

Out of the 111 reports:

• 32 were related to weight loss use only
• 40 involved diabetes treatment
• 9 involved both
• 30 had no clear indication

Concerns Over Misuse and Easy Access

Doctors and public health experts have been warning since last year about the rising trend of healthy individuals—particularly young women—using these drugs solely for aesthetic weight loss. Many obtain them online by falsifying medical data such as weight, height, and medical history.

In the UK, these medications are available not only through prescriptions but also via online pharmacy forms, which require only basic personal information and photos. This ease of access has fueled improper use, often resulting in emergency hospital visits due to severe side effects.

Call for Stricter Regulations

The disclosure of these fatalities coincides with government plans to expand the use of these drugs in combating obesity. While some experts praise the potential of GLP-1 agonists as powerful tools in obesity treatment, others urge caution.

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine and other health organizations are now calling for tighter controls on how these drugs are prescribed. Reported side effects include:

• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tooth erosion
• Bone fractures
• Anxiety and depression

The MHRA continues to monitor adverse reactions through its Yellow Card scheme, a database launched after the 1960s thalidomide scandal, which tracks drug safety across the country.

Final Thoughts

As demand for weight loss solutions surges, the UK faces a growing challenge in balancing access to innovative treatments with patient safety. Regulatory agencies and medical experts alike stress the need for cautious, evidence-based use of GLP-1 drugs, alongside stricter oversight on online and over-the-counter availability.