Weight loss injections have surged in popularity, with many people turning to them as a quick fix for shedding pounds. But while some report success, others have faced unexpected and serious side effects. If you’ve suffered harm from a weight loss injection, you might be wondering about your legal rights – and whether a claim for compensation could be on the horizon.
The rise of weight loss injections and the risks
Medications like Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda and Ozempic have dominated headlines, promoted as game-changing treatments for obesity and increasingly popular with celebrities.
But concerns are growing, and weight-loss drugs are now classified as “high risk” medications – meaning they require additional safety measures.
Weight loss injection risks UK
Some users have reported stomach paralysis (gastroparesis), pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, severe vomiting, and even long-term health complications – side effects that have already led to lawsuits in the US.
In November 2024, a North Lanarkshire nurse who took two low-dose injections of Mounjaro died due to “multiple organ failure, septic shock and pancreatitis”. The use of the weight-loss drug was recorded as a contributing factor. This is believed to be the first death officially linked to the drug in the UK.
Despite the risks, some people have been able to get prescriptions without consulting their GPs, often via online pharmacies and so called ‘medi-spas’.
In the UK, the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has tightened the regulations on weight loss injections, requiring more rigorous checks before prescriptions can be issued. This follows concerns that some individuals with eating disorders were inappropriately given the medication.
What this means is that online pharmacies – many of which have set quotas for processing prescriptions per hour – will no longer be allowed to dispense the medication solely based on online questionnaires or submitted photos.
Can I sue for weight loss injection side effects in the UK?
Legal action is underway in the US, with lawyers alleging the weight loss drugmakers didn’t properly warn users about the risks. While no legal claims have been made in the UK as yet, this could soon change. And if similar cases emerge, those who have suffered harm may be due compensation.
Beyond the drugmakers, medi-spas and pharmacies could also face legal claims if they fail to carry out proper medical assessments to determine a patient’s suitability for these weight loss treatments.
Next steps
Register with Join the Claim, and you’ll be the first to know if legal action is launched in the UK. We’ll keep you updated on any developments, including new investigations, potential group claims, and what steps you can take to seek compensation.
If you’ve suffered harm from a weight loss injection, don’t miss out on important updates. Stay informed and be ready to take action.
Want more info on weight loss injections?
We’ve launched a new UK guide to help you get informed — before you start treatment, or if you’re already dealing with complications. Because behind every success story, there are real people who’ve experienced life-changing side effects, and many say they weren’t properly warned.
