Recent official statistics indicate that the death toll among Britons using weight-loss and diabetes medications, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, has reached 82.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) confirmed this figure as of the end of January, prompting renewed concerns regarding the safety of these treatments.

The report revealed that 22 individuals died while using the medication for weight management, whereas 60 deaths were associated with its application for type 2 diabetes. Alison Cave, the chief safety officer at the MHRA, stressed the importance of caution, stating: “The choice to initiate, continue, or discontinue treatment should be made collaboratively between patients and their healthcare providers, weighing all potential benefits and risks.”

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The use of weight-loss injections like Mounjaro and Ozempic has surged, with approximately 500,000 people in the UK currently using these treatments. Many users report losing as much as 22.5% of their weight within the first 18 months. The NHS is set to make Mounjaro available for patients with severe obesity.

Wegovy, a higher-dose version of Ozempic initially designed for diabetes management, was launched on the NHS in September of last year. However, access is restricted to specialized weight-loss clinics located in certain regions of England.

An estimated 4.1 million people qualify for Wegovy through the NHS, which requires a body mass index exceeding 35 alongside related health issues. In contrast, the private sector has a lower BMI requirement of 30, potentially opening access to around 15 million adults.

According to MHRA data, 18 deaths were directly linked to Mounjaro, while 29 fatalities occurred with the use of Ozempic, Rybelsus, or Wegovy, as all these medications contain the active ingredient semaglutide. Additionally, 35 deaths were associated with Saxenda and Victoza, which contain liraglutide, as reported by The Sun.

Susan McGowan, a 58-year-old nurse from Scotland, tragically passed away last year after receiving two low-dose Mounjaro injections over a span of two weeks. Reports also indicate that nearly 400 individuals have been hospitalized after the use of weight-loss medications.

The NHS strongly advises: “Do not use anti-obesity medicines unless prescribed by your healthcare provider. Such medications may pose safety risks and can lead to significant side effects.”

Semaglutide has been recognized as a groundbreaking treatment, with research demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing alcohol cravings and even slowing certain aging markers. A study involving two million participants suggested associations with improved heart health, reduced infection rates, decreased risk of substance abuse, and a lower likelihood of dementia.

Lilly UK, the company behind Mounjaro, stated that patient safety is its highest concern, emphasizing its commitment to ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of safety data.