Recent data from NHS England indicates a significant rise in gallbladder surgeries, with over 80,000 procedures conducted in the 2024-25 period—marking the highest number in a decade. This increase has prompted calls for further investigation into a potential correlation between the use of weight-loss injections, such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda, and the prevalence of gallbladder removals.
Dr. Ahmed Ahmed, president of the British Obesity and Metabolic Specialist Society, highlighted that many patients undergoing gallbladder surgery reported having used these injections. While gallstones are acknowledged as a common side effect of the drugs, both the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and health experts emphasize the need for additional research to clarify the relationship between weight-loss injections, rapid weight loss, and gallstone formation.
A University College London study estimates that around 1.6 million adults in the UK utilized weight-loss injections in the previous year, predominantly through private prescriptions. Most users reported positive outcomes, although some, like Sue Peacock from Wirral, experienced serious health complications, including pancreatitis, attributed to gallstones.
While some healthcare professionals, such as surgeon James Hewes, recognize the transformative impact of these injections on obesity management, they also call for comprehensive studies to evaluate long-term health effects. Experts recommend that individuals considering weight-loss drugs consult their healthcare providers about the potential risks and benefits, including the likelihood of gallstone development.
In light of these findings, the pharmaceutical companies producing these injections assert that they prioritize patient safety and encourage users to report any adverse effects to healthcare professionals.