Increasing numbers of gallbladder surgeries in recent years have prompted concerns among surgeons about a potential connection to the use of weight-loss injections. This trend, according to leading medical professionals, warrants deeper investigation to determine any causal relationships.

Surge in Gallbladder Removals

The past year saw a 15% increase in gallbladder surgeries carried out by NHS England, with 80,196 operations performed between 2024 and 2025. This marks the highest annual number in a decade. Some experts believe that weight-loss jabs may play a role in this rise.

Link to Weight-Loss Injections

Ahmed Ahmed, President of the British Obesity and Metabolic Specialist Society, has noticed a growing number of patients who have undergone weight-loss injections, such as Wegovy and Saxenda, experiencing gallstone issues. While gallstones are listed as a common side effect of these jabs, further research is needed to understand the link between rapid weight loss and gallstone formation.

Experiences of Patients

While many using these injections report success without complications, some individuals like Sue Peacock from Wirral attribute serious health issues to the jabs. Peacock, a mother of five, described a severe health scare involving gallstones and pancreatitis after using Mounjaro, emphasizing the life-altering impact it had.

Research and Regulatory Responses

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has updated its guidelines on GLP-1 injections, highlighting the risks of pancreatitis associated with gallstones. Despite these risks, pharmaceutical companies maintain that they prioritize patient safety and encourage reporting adverse effects.

The Call for Comprehensive Studies

Leading surgeons, including Ahmed and James Hewes from Bristol, advocate for extensive research comparing the risks of weight-loss injections with bariatric surgery. They assert that such studies could clarify the safest and most effective weight-loss methods.

Balancing Risks and Benefits

Steve O'Farrell, a 67-year-old from Bristol, reflects a positive experience with Mounjaro, losing over five stone. He acknowledges the potential risks but considers the benefits worthwhile, stressing the importance of weighing pros and cons when choosing weight-loss methods.

As discussions continue, healthcare professionals emphasize the importance for individuals to consult with medical experts about potential side effects and report any adverse reactions to aid ongoing safety monitoring.

Source:bbc uk