Summary Overview
- According to the data, there are 111 UK fatalities reported to MHRA by May 2025 which involves GLP‑1 drug and 30 from it were linked to semaglutide/Wegovy.
- The major risk is reported pancreatitis but it is Wegovy is not not shown conclusively to be the reason.
- The MHRA is currently in action in Yellow Card surveillance & genomics study to identify risk profiles
- Discuss the rare risks, but high vigilance and medical oversight essential
What You Will Learn
- You will learn about the reported incidence and geographic breakdown of Wegovy‑related death cases in the UK.
- You will learn to recognize the potential mechanisms like pancreatitis and other contributing risk factors.
- You will learn about MHRA responses and genetic safety research.
- You will gain insight into safe prescribing and monitoring practices specific to UK healthcare.
Everything You Need To Know About Wegovy
Wegovy is an injectable medication that helps regulate weight by decreasing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. It is used along with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise to assist in weight loss. For the medication to be effective and help minimize side effects, it is crucial they use the Wegovy pen properly.
Typically, the brain sends signals that make you feel hungry even if you don’t want to eat or you are still full. It’s usually the ‘food noise’ that you want to control. Once your body takes Wegovy, your brain will control sending out signals and will help reduce the food noise you’ve been getting. Aside from these, Wegovy will help you slow down the food in your body making you crave less and stay full for a longer time from your recent food intake. Lastly, by reducing your food intake and digestion slow down, you will naturally take fewer calories which will lead you in losing weight over time.
Just like any medication, there are side effects that you might experience when you take Wegovy. However, take note that side effects may vary from one person to another and will still depend on your current medical condition, lifestyle, and other health related concerns.
Here are some of the side effects you need to be aware of:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
These side effects are typically temporary especially if you are just starting with your Wegovy. However, if symptoms persist, don’t wait for it to become serious and immediately consult your doctor for immediate medical attention.
Learning About the Reports of Wegovy‑Related Deaths
When looking at the reports of deaths associated with weight-loss drugs like Wegovy, it is essential to understand that there is a difference between a reported incident and a proven cause.
In the UK, it uses a system called the Yellow Card Scheme. It is specifically designed to function as an early warning system. As the medication or drugs become more popular, the data is also being updated frequently. Here is the breakdown of those specific reports.
Take note that the following date comes from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
In January of this year, the MHRA had recorded a total of 82 fatalities wherein GLP-1 was suspected to be the cause of the patients’ death. In using GLP-1 for weight loss, there were 22 deaths that have been reported; for diabetes, 60 deaths have been reported; and in terms of brand usage, there were 29 deaths associated with Wegovy & Ozempic.
In May of this year, the MHRA had recorded a total of 111 fatalities wherein GLP-1 was suspected to be the primary reason as well. It increased from the reports in January. According to the reports, the majority of the Wegovy related deaths are mostly related to patients using it for managing diabetes while the rest of data linked it to patients using it for weight loss, as the drug has become more available on the NHS and privately.
It is also essential to know that the “Yellow Card” report does not specifically mean that the GLP-1 is the reason for the death of a patient. It is still a suspicion and might only be a possible factor of the death but there is no official study that proves it.
Effective & professional doctor-led Wegovy Deaths in the UK at our central London clinic
Verified Before & After
Verified Before & After
What You Need To Know About the Statistics on Wegovy Deaths Worldwide
When looking at the data of Wegovy and Ozempic deaths related globally, the focus typically shifts to the United States because it has the largest number of users of the medication.
Here is an overview of the global statistics, specifically from the US data and what causation means.
In the United States, they use a database called FDA Adverse Event Reporting System or also known as FAERS. It is somehow similar to the UK’s Yellow Card reports. Basically, it functions as the database for doctors, patients, drug companies to submit any negative feedback that they have experienced while using Wegovy.
Based on their recent reports, there were at least 162 deaths that have been recorded over the past 6 years. It involves death related to weight-loss and diabetes drugs or simply using GLP-1s.
From the 162 deaths, 94 of those were specifically suspected to be related to Wegovy & Ozempic while 68 of those were specifically suspected to be related to Mounjaro & Zepbound.
Since the medication has been evolving and becoming more popular these days, reports have increased by 40% because people have been interested in taking it for the last 12-24 months.
While the data mentioned is suspected to have been related to GLP-1s, there is still no proven and official study that says that taking Wegovy alone could possibly lead to death. It is important to know that people who are taking Wegovy have already experienced an existing medical condition such as diabetes. Wegovy is primarily made for treating obesity or type 2 diabetes. It is why Wegovy might not be the primary reason for the death since the existing medical condition comes with a higher risk of having other causes of deaths.
Understanding the Causes Behind Wegovy‑Related Deaths
When learning about the deaths related to Wegovy, it is rarely because of the drug alone. It could possibly be because of other existing medical conditions prior to taking the medication. That is why it is essential to have a thorough consultation with an experienced clinic in order to manage your expectations and assess whether you are a right candidate for taking the medication.
Primary concern of the reported deaths is Pancreatitis. It is the inflammation of the pancreas, where this organ helps with digestion and blood sugar. Since wegovy primarily affects the pancreas, it’s may increase risk to have problems with your pancreas. In the UK, there have been 113 reported cases of pancreatitis which is specifically associated with semaglutide, that results in 1 death. As of the moment, there is still no official report about the direct cause of Wegovy about death related cases of taking it.
Understanding the Different Underlying Health Conditions and Risks
While Wegovy is generally safe for people wanting to treat obesity and type 2 Diabetes, it is still a powerful drug that goes in your body and might affect any of your existing medical conditions. Make sure to have a thorough consultation with an experienced clinic before taking Wegovy so you can properly assess and check if it is suitable for your condition.
These are the following common health conditions risks that can make Wegovy harmful in taking it.
- Because of the rapid weight loss that comes with taking Wegovy, you could possibly have Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease. You will then notice a sudden and intense pain in the upper right side of your stomach and could possibly spread to your shoulders.
- You could possibly experience extreme nausea, persistent vomiting, and severe dehydration if you overlap alcohol consumption and taking of Wegovy. It could possibly irritate your stomach lining. It is highly recommended to avoid any alcohol intake while in the process of Wegovy medication.
- Make sure to discuss all your medical history with your doctors because if you have any history of pancreatitis, it is not advisable to take Wegovy since your pancreas is already vulnerable. You might experience severe vomiting that could lead to dehydration if you possibly push through.
In Conclusion, Here’s How To Navigate the Risks of Wegovy
In summary, there is still no specific and official data that proves that Wegovy is the primary reason for the deaths in the United Kingdom. When compared to over 1 million Wegovy users, the reported deaths are only a small statistical group. Most of the time, the cause of death while taking Wegovy is because of the existing medical condition brought by obesity and type 2 Diabetes. It is very important to discuss everything first with your chosen clinic and all the risks before taking Wegovy especially if you have multiple medical conditions that
might be affected by the medication.
Most Commonly Asked Questions
- Can Wegovy actually cause death?
No, there is no official study that proves that Wegovy is the actual cause of death of the people who are taking it.
- What role does pancreatitis play in reported deaths?
It is the inflammation of the pancreas, where this organ helps with digestion and blood sugar. Since wegovy primarily affects the pancreas, it’s may increase risk to have problems with your pancreas.
- How many deaths in the UK are linked to Wegovy?
In May of this year, the MHRA had recorded a total of 111 fatalities wherein GLP-1 is suspected to be the reason for it but then again there is no proven study that supports this claim.
- What is MHRA doing to investigate safety?
They have a system called the Yellow Card Scheme. It is specifically designed to function as an early warning system. As the medication or drugs become more popular, the data is also being updated frequently. Doctors, patients, and drug companies can report any negative feedback related to Wegovy.
Reserve a Wegovy appointment
One of our experts will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.
Book AppointmentKatia T
★★★★★
Excellent service
12th December 2025
Claudia Baillie
★★★★★
Excellent service. Would recommend
12th December 2025
Christina Kotsamidis-ventouras
★★★★★
I had a wonderful experience - very thorough and painless. Highly recommend!
10th December 2025









