Health experts are warning of serious risks linked to weight loss injections like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy. The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is investigating over 560 reports of pancreatitis—some linked to 10 patient deaths.

These injections, originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, have become popular for weight loss, especially among celebrities. Now, concerns are rising about genetic factors that may make certain users more vulnerable to severe side effects. One key symptom of pancreatitis is intense stomach pain that radiates to the back and doesn’t ease.

The MHRA is urging patients hospitalized with pancreatitis while on GLP-1 meds to report it via the Yellow Card scheme. These reports could lead to genetic screening to help predict who’s most at risk. “Almost a third of side effects could be prevented with genetic testing,” said MHRA’s Dr. Alison Cave.

Pharmaceutical companies, including Novo Nordisk and Lilly, insist patient safety is a priority and urge users to only take these medications under medical supervision. Despite concerns, regulators still consider the overall benefits to outweigh the risks.