Weighing Up the Risks: Pancreatitis & Weight Loss Injections (Semaglutide / Wegovy / Ozempic)

An evidence-based response from Astral Skin Clinic

On 26 June 2025, ITV News reported:

“Health officials are investigating hundreds of reports from people who have linked problems with their pancreas to weight loss jabs.”

Naturally, headlines like this can spark concern. But let’s take a closer look.

Correlation Is Not Causation

Despite the dramatic headlines, what we’re seeing at this stage is correlation, not confirmed causation. In fact, based on current data and scientific understanding, a causal link between semaglutide-based medications (like Wegovy and Ozempic) and pancreatitis appears unlikely.

Here’s why.

The Yellow Card System Explained

When a patient in the UK experiences an unexpected health issue while taking medication, a doctor can report it using the Yellow Card Scheme - a safety monitoring tool run by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency).

This doesn’t mean the medication caused the issue. It simply flags a potential link for further investigation.

The current investigation into semaglutide and pancreatitis is exactly that - a routine early warning review. These systems are designed to be highly sensitive, catching even the smallest signs of risk, even if they later prove unrelated.

To borrow an analogy: if fire alarms only went off when buildings were actually burning down, they’d be failing at their job. Sometimes, they’re triggered by burnt toast - and that’s the point. It’s better to check too often than not enough.

What We Know So Far

Semaglutide-based treatments went through extensive safety evaluations before being approved for public use. Checking for pancreas-related illnesses (including pancreatitis) was part of that process and is not a new discovery.

Let’s also remember: people prescribed these medications are typically overweight or obese - and this, in itself, is a significant risk factor for pancreatitis.

• For every increase in BMI of 5, the risk of pancreatitis increases by 18%.

• Obesity can increase the chance of developing pancreatitis by up to 9 times.

  
  

So, it’s no surprise that some people using weight loss injections may also develop pancreatitis - but that doesn’t mean the medication caused it.

What the Latest Research Shows

Here’s a summary of what peer-reviewed studies are currently telling us:

• A large meta-analysis found no increased risk of acute pancreatitis among semaglutide users versus non-users.

• Some studies have shown a link, particularly where the drug was used off-label or outside recommended protocols.

• In fact, patients with pancreatitis who were treated with semaglutide had a lower recurrence rate.

So, What Should You Do?

Being overweight or obese carries well-documented health risks: heart disease, stroke, certain cancers - and yes, pancreatitis. That’s why weight management is such a vital part of long-term health.

But as with any medication, informed use is key. There is a significant difference between ordering a weight loss injection online and working with a doctor-led service.

At Astral Skin Clinic, we provide medical weight loss programmes that include:

• A full consultation with a qualified practitioner

• Ongoing support to discuss side effects or concerns

• Close monitoring for safety and results

• Evidence-based care, not sensationalism

Being aware of potential side effects is responsible. But so is understanding the full picture.

Have questions or want expert advice on medical weight loss treatments?Book a consultation with Dr Michael Aicken at Astral Skin Clinic - where your health and safety always come first.