The Health and Me had previously reported on how many people faced problems with their pancreas post taking weight loss drugs and diabetes injections. These medicines are mostly Wegovy, Ozempic and other variants of GLP-1 medicines, or the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. This has led to an investigation by the authorities.Not just this, but there are also reports of deaths that have been linked with GLP-1 medicines. Data from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) revealed that ever since these drugs were approved, there have been hundreds of cases of acute and chronic pancreatitis.The data revealed that 10 people have died and among them, 5 were linked to active ingredients of these popular weight loss jabs.What Did The Data Reveal?A total of 181 cases of acute and chronic pancreatitis have been reported in connection with tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, including five fatalities.Liraglutide was associated with 116 such cases, one of which was fatal.Semaglutide—the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy—was linked to 113 cases, with one death reported.Exenatide was associated with 101 cases, including three deaths.Dulaglutide and lixisenatide were linked to 52 and 11 cases respectively, with no reported fatalities for either drug.Based on the data, the Yellow Card Biobank project, which is launched by MHRA and Genomics England will investigate these instances and check whether these drugs could influence people's genetic make-up.The MHRA is encouraging individuals taking GLP-1 medicines who have been hospitalised with acute pancreatitis to report their experience through the Yellow Card scheme.Following a report submission, the MHRA will reach out to patients to ask if they are willing to take part in a related study.Participants will be asked to share further information and provide a saliva sample to help determine whether genetic factors may contribute to the risk of developing acute pancreatitis from specific medications.What Are GLP-1 Medicines?GLP-1 agonists, used to lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and support weight loss, are currently under increased scrutiny, according to Wales Online.With an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK using weight loss injections, health authorities recognise their role in tackling obesity but warn against viewing them as a universal solution, citing potential side effects.Commonly reported reactions include nausea, constipation, and diarrhoea. Recent safety alerts have also highlighted concerns about Mounjaro possibly reducing the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.Dr. Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, stated: “Evidence shows that nearly a third of medicine-related side effects could be avoided through genetic testing. Adverse drug reactions are estimated to cost the NHS over £2.2 billion annually in hospital admissions alone.”She added that data gathered from the Yellow Card Biobank will help identify patients at increased risk of side effects, enabling more personalised and safer prescribing based on individual genetic profiles.What Happens To Your Body When GLP-1 Medicines Are Administered?To understand what our body goes through, we spoke to experts in endocrinology and gastroenterology. Here's what they said. Dr Pranav Ghody, Consultant Endocrinologist & Diabetologist, Wockhardt Hospitals at Mumbai Central explains that weight loss medications, particularly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide, have become popular due to their effectiveness. "However, when misused taken without medical supervision, used in high doses, or by people with underlying health issues they can lead to serious side effects. Some complications, like pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal symptoms, may be life-threatening if not promptly addressed."Why does it impact the pancreas? Dr Ghody explains that these medicines slow digestion and help control hunger, however, in some individuals, especially those predisposed or with a history of pancreatic issues, they can irritate the pancreas and trigger inflammation, leading to a condition called acute pancreatitis.He also notes that in rare cases, acute pancreatitis can become severe. "It could lead to serious complications like organ failure of infections. If not diagnosed and managed early, it can be fatal. That said, such outcomes are uncommon and typically occur when early warning signs are ignored or the drug is misused."So, How Can One Ensure Safe Use Of Weight Loss Drugs?"Always take these drugs under the guidance of a qualified endocrinologist or physician. A thorough evaluation including your medical history, current health status, and regular monitoring is crucial. Never self-medicate or take someone else’s prescription. Also, report any symptoms like persistent stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting immediately to your doctor," points out Dr Ghody.