Weighing up The risks
Following the first reported death linked to weight loss jabs, we examine the risks of weight-loss medications
The pursuit of effective weight-loss solutions has led to a surge in the popularity of medications such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic.
While these drugs have proven to be valuable tools for managing obesity and related conditions, recent events have underscored the significant risks associated with their use, particularly when they are not prescribed and monitored by qualified medical professionals. Understanding these risks and emphasising patient education is crucial for healthcare providers in mitigating harm.
The latest craze
Not since Botox has a brand name become part of the cultural zeitgeist but sunce celebs started attributing their dramatic weight loss to Ozempic it’s been hitting the headlines along with other brands of weight loss drug, and not always for positive reasons.
These injections work by suppressing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, and delaying gastric emptying. By mimicking natural hormones released after eating, they can support adherence to diet plans and help decrease overall calorie consumption.
Some of these injections also lower blood sugar levels. When administered under prescription and ongoing medical supervision, they’ve proven clinically effective, particularly for individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
In an article on the risks of weight loss injections, the JCCP wrote: “Weight loss injections are not available over the counter due to their active ingredients, which should only be prescribed by a doctor or other independent prescriber. Purchasing these injections without a prescription from illegal suppliers, particularly online or social media sources, increases the risk of receiving counterfeit or unlicensed products. This practice can be dangerous and pose significant health risks.
“We have received over 50 complaints within a 12-month period regarding weight loss injections. This significant number of complaints in such a short timeframe highlights the growing concerns surrounding these treatments and underscores the need for increased scrutiny and regulation in this area of cosmetic medicine. These complaints frequently include screenshots of practitioners promoting the administration of the injections or seeking leads to acquire more of the product, such as the below.”
Tragic incident highlights the risks
More recently things have escalated with the death of a nurse from North Lanarkshire has been linked to the use of a weight-loss drug.
The BBC reported that Susan McGowan, 58, took two low-dose injections of tirzepatide, known under the brand name Mounjaro, over the course of about two weeks before her death on September 4.
It wrote: “Her death certificate, seen by the BBC, lists multiple organ failure, septic shock and pancreatitis as the immediate cause of death – but “the use of prescribed tirzepatide” is also recorded as a contributing factor.”
Dr Masud Haq, a highly respected consultant in endocrinology and diabetes, provided critical insights following the tragic events. Speaking about Mounjaro, he explained:
“Mounjaro is a treatment licensed to help patients with weight loss. There have been recent concerns over its association with pancreatitis following the tragic death of a patient. Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas and typically presents with severe persistent abdominal pain which sometimes radiates through to the back. It may or may not be accompanied with vomiting. If a patient develops these symptoms, they should immediately stop their treatment and seek urgent medical advice and attend A&E if required.
The overall risk of developing pancreatitis with Mounjaro is very low with 0.23 patients per 100 years of exposure and is a recognised side effect in all glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists. All patients who are being considered for Mounjaro should be screened for a previous history of pancreatitis as treatment may not be appropriate. They should also be counselled of this risk.”
There were also reports that a woman in her 50s passed away after allegedly receiving an injection from an unlicensed provider. This incident has led to arrests and raised questions about the regulation and administration of such treatments. According to the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP), weight-loss injections must always be prescribed and overseen by licensed professionals in regulated facilities. The JCCP warns that these drugs are powerful hormonal agents that should never be administered without strict medical oversight.
The rise of “Cowboy Clinics”
Sara Cheeney, founder of Pure Perfection Clinic, echoed these warnings, emphasising the dangers posed by unregulated providers.
“It is absolutely vital if patients do want to pursue this course of action, they contact a legitimate medical practice and have a thorough consultation rather than seeking a quick-fix solution,” said Sara. “We have seen and heard reports that some beauticians and online retailers are selling them alongside beauty products, which is completely wrong.”
Cheeney’s clinic ensures a structured approach to weight loss, combining medication with nutrition and exercise advice. However, the rise of unauthorised providers offering cheap, unverified products has introduced significant risks to patients, including overdosing and a lack of proper aftercare.
Regulatory guidance
The JCCP has urged stricter controls on weight-loss medications to prevent further tragedies. All weight-loss medicines should be prescribed through UK-registered pharmacies with comprehensive patient monitoring. The unlicensed administration of these drugs, often facilitated through social media and online sales, is a growing issue that demands immediate regulatory action.
The JCCP also highlighted the misleading portrayal of injectable weight-loss treatments on social media, where they are marketed as quick fixes. These drugs, while effective, are powerful agents that affect hormonal and metabolic processes, making them unsuitable for unsupervised use. Stricter oversight and patient education are necessary to counter the risks posed by unlicensed providers.
“Ozempic Face” and other side effects
While the physical benefits of weight-loss injections can be significant, they are not without aesthetic and health-related downsides. A phenomenon known as “Ozempic face” has been increasingly reported, characterised by sagging skin and a prematurely aged appearance due to rapid fat loss. Experts stress that patients must be informed of these potential side effects as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and proper medical guidance.
Conclusion
Weight-loss medications have transformative potential for managing obesity, but they must be administered responsibly. Healthcare professionals play a vital role in ensuring that patients understand both the benefits and risks of these treatments. Recent tragic incidents underscore the importance of stringent regulation and medical oversight.
Patients should be encouraged to seek care from licensed providers in Care Quality Commission (CQC)-regulated facilities, where they can receive the necessary support and safeguards. As demand for these medications grows, so does the responsibility of the medical community to advocate for safe practices and protect patients from the dangers of unregulated treatments.