Rising Gallbladder Surgeries and Pancreatitis Risks Linked to Weight-Loss Injections
Published 29 January 2026
Highlights
- The UK has seen a 15% increase in gallbladder removals, possibly linked to weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
- The MHRA has updated guidance on GLP-1 injections, highlighting a small risk of acute pancreatitis, a serious condition.
- Approximately 1.6 million UK adults have used GLP-1 medications for weight loss in the past year, with most experiencing no severe side effects.
- The MHRA's Yellow Card scheme has recorded over 1,100 reports of pancreatitis among users of semaglutide and tirzepatide.
- Experts emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before starting or changing GLP-1 treatments.
The recent surge in gallbladder removals in the UK has raised concerns about a potential link to popular weight-loss injections, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. According to NHS England, the number of gallbladder surgeries reached a decade-high of 80,196 in 2024-25, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. This trend has prompted calls for further research into whether these injections, known for their rapid weight-loss effects, are contributing to the rise in gallstone formation.
Potential Health Risks and Regulatory Updates
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has updated its guidance on GLP-1 medications, which include semaglutide and tirzepatide, cautioning users about the rare but serious risk of acute pancreatitis. Symptoms of this condition include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and fever, and it can lead to hospitalization. The MHRA advises patients experiencing such symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.
Dr. Alison Cave, the MHRA's chief safety officer, emphasized that while the risk is small, awareness is crucial. "For the vast majority of patients, GLP-1s are safe and effective, delivering significant health benefits," she stated. However, the agency's Yellow Card scheme has logged over 1,100 reports of pancreatitis among users, with 17 fatalities reported.
Personal Accounts and Expert Opinions
Sue Peacock, a mother of five from Wirral, shared her harrowing experience with gallstones and pancreatitis after using Mounjaro. Initially optimistic about the weight-loss benefits, she soon faced severe health complications, leading to a life-changing ordeal. "I felt like I was dying," she recounted, highlighting the need for greater awareness of potential side effects.
Ahmed Ahmed, president of the British Obesity and Metabolic Specialist Society, noted the increasing number of gallbladder surgeries he performs, with many patients having used weight-loss injections. He stressed the need for more research to determine whether the injections directly cause gallstones or if the rapid weight loss they induce is the culprit.
Industry Response and Ongoing Research
Manufacturers of these medications, including Novo Nordisk, have reiterated their commitment to patient safety, advising that these drugs be used strictly under medical supervision. The MHRA has also launched a Yellow Card Biobank study in collaboration with Genomics England to explore genetic factors that may influence the risk of pancreatitis, aiming to tailor safer treatment options for patients.
What this might mean
As the use of GLP-1 medications continues to rise, the healthcare community may see increased scrutiny and demand for comprehensive studies to understand the long-term effects of these drugs. Regulatory bodies like the MHRA will likely enhance monitoring and safety protocols, potentially influencing prescribing practices. Additionally, the findings from the Yellow Card Biobank study could pave the way for personalized medicine approaches, minimizing adverse reactions and optimizing treatment efficacy for individuals.
