The 5 life-threatening fat jab warning signs you must NOT dismiss as mild side effects – as 200 deaths reported

WEIGHT loss jabs like Mounjaro and Wegovy are known to cause side effects like stomach pain and vomiting. But in some cases, these ‘typical’ symptoms could be signs of serious conditions linked to GLP-1s – so how can you tell them apart? Caroline Savage died after developing sudden and severe pain following an increase in the dose of her Mounjaro jab Credit: SWNS Susan McGowan, 58, passed away in 2024 after taking two low-dose injections of tirzepatide Credit: Facebook It follows news of the tragic passing of Caroline Savage, 73, who died after increasing her Mounjaro dose. The grandmother had been using the injections for four months with no significant side effects, before developing severe stomach pain and falling seriously ill in October 2024. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! A post- mortem examination found that Caroline had died from faecal peritonitis – a leaking of faecal matter into the abdominal cavity – caused by perforation of part of her intestines. Weight loss jabs are known to cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and stomach pain. But Caroline’s family have expressed concerns that doctors were too ready to attribute her symptoms to side effects of Mounjaro, without properly investigating other causes. There is no established evidence that faecal peritonitis – the cause of Caroline’s death – can be caused by Mounjaro. Possible links were discussed at an inquest into her death at Norfolk’s Coroner Court, where it was heard that GLP-1s slow the progress of food through stomach to the intestine, causing constipation. The hearing was told that if someone already unknowingly had diverticular disease – a condition that affects the intestine – the side effects from Mounjaro could increase pressure in the intestines and therefore the risk of inflammation and perforation. Most read in Health But Mounjaro – as well as Wegovy – have been officially linked to a potentially deadly side effect, known as severe acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas – a small organ, located behind the stomach that aids digestion – becomes inflamed over a short period of time. It can also be caused by gallstones (when small stones form in the gallbladder) or drinking too much booze. Most people with acute pancreatitis start to feel better within about a week, but some may go on to develop severe acute pancreatitis, which leads to serious complications. Susan McGowan, 58, passed away in 2024 after taking two low-dose injections of Mounjaro, suffering from pancreatitis, multiple organ failure and septic shock. Over 200 deaths linked to blockbuster weight loss jabs have been reported. Some 120 deaths were potentially linked to Mounjaro, 37 to Saxenda and 59 to Wegovy, figures published by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) showed. Meanwhile, UK patients using the drugs have filed around 158,000 reports of non-serious adverse side-effects to the watchdog’s Yellow Card Scheme. The data doesn’t show that GLP-1 drugs caused these fatalities. People may have died due to underlying or undiagnosed illnesses that had nothing to do with weight loss jabs. Worried you won’t be able to tell mild side effects of weight loss jabs apart from the serious ones? We reveal five red flag symptoms you should never ignore if you’re taking GLP-1s. Common weight loss jab side effects Common side effects of GLP-1 jabs include: Nausea and heartburn Constipation Headaches Vomiting Diarrhoea Constipation Injection site reactions, redness, bruising, itching, swelling and pain Gallstones and gallbladder inflammation 1. Sudden and severe pain While stomach pain can be common in weight loss jab users, cramps that are sudden and severe should not be dismissed. They can be a sign of pancreatitis. The NHS says tummy pain caused by pancreatitis may: Start suddenly and not go away Be severe, sharp or knife-like Affect the upper part of your tummy (between your ribs), one side of your tummy or your whole tummy Spread to your sides and back Feel worse after you eat, move around or lie down Feel better when you lean forward or bring your knees to your chest It’s estimated that up to 1 in 100 people taking either drug may develop pancreatitis, according to the patient leaflets. If you have it, you may also have a temperature or be sick. Ask for an urgent GP appointment if you develop these symptoms. Severe tummy pain that doesn’t fade after 30 minutes can also be a symptom of gallstones, a recognised side effect of weight loss jabs that can also lead to pancreatitis. 2. Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea Get help for vomiting if it goes on for more than 24 hours Credit: Getty Some nausea and vomiting from weight loss drugs shouldn’t immediately cause red flags. But if it’s persistent, it’s worth getting seen to as you could be at risk of dangerous dehydration. Vomiting and feeling sick could be signs of both gallstones and pancreatitis, so get help for if these symptoms are accompanied by intense stomach pain. If you can’t keep fluids down for more than 24 hours, get medical help. 3. Yellow eyes Yellowing eyes and skin can be a sign of jaundice Credit: Alamy In some cases, gallstones – which can block bile ducts, the tubes that connects the gallbladder to the liver and other organs – can lead to serious complications. One of these is jaundice, when a substance called bilirubin builds up in your body. This can cause your skin or the whites of your eyes to turn yellow, as well as itchy skin, darker pee and paler poo than usual. The NHS advises you call 999 or go to A&E if you get jaundice as well as severe tummy pain and a hight temperature. 4. Allergic reactions If you get a widespread rash, it can be a sign of an allergic reaction Credit: Getty Skin reactions on the site of your injection are often nothing to worry about. But if your rash is getting worse, spreading, becoming more red or very painful, you should stop using your jab and seek further help from your GP, NHS 111 or A&E. Call 999 immediately if experiencing difficulty breathing, facial or tongue swelling, widespread rash, or rapid heartbeat. These can be signs of an allergic reaction, which can be serious if not treated. Comment now