GLP-1s and Pancreatitis: What You Should Know

Written by: Helen Spriggs, Registered Nutritionist -  
Bliss in partnership with Nutrable 

When you’re using weight loss medication, it can be worrying to hear about an increased risk of serious conditions such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and pancreatic cancer. Let’s dive into what’s going on here and whether you should be concerned.

Getting the risks into perspective

Firstly, it’s important to note that a 2025 review of the research found no association between pancreatic cancer and GLP-1s by themselves, and only a slight association when people were taking other medications too. The same researchers did find a slightly increased risk of pancreatitis, particularly when used with other medications.

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone your gut naturally produces after eating. It signals to your brain that you're full, slows the rate at which your stomach empties, and helps regulate blood sugar.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of prescription medication that mimic this hormone — amplifying and extending its effects to reduce appetite, lower calorie intake, and support sustained weight loss. In clinical trials, they have produced the most significant average weight loss outcomes of any licensed medication currently available.

The GLP-1 treatments available at Bliss include Mounjaro (which also activates a second hormone receptor, GIP, for enhanced effect), Wegovy injections, the Wegovy pill, Saxenda, and Nevolat.

• GLP-1s work partly by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin, to regulate your blood sugar.  
• They might influence how digestive enzymes are produced and cleared.  
• They can slow gallbladder emptying, potentially increasing the likelihood of gallstones—one of the most common causes of pancreatitis if a stone blocks the pancreatic duct.  
• Many people prescribed GLP-1s already have conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high triglycerides or gallbladder disease, which independently raise pancreatitis risk, making it difficult to determine whether GLP-1s themselves play a direct role. 

What warning signs can you look for?

Knowing what to look for is important – if you are concerned about any of the following speak to your medical professional urgently:

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain – especially if in the upper abdomen area 
• Nausea or vomiting that doesn’t settle 
• Pain that spreads to your back

What kind of diet helps?

What you eat has a direct impact on blood sugar balance and digestion, affecting the function of organs such as the pancreas and gallbladder and overall metabolic health. Here are three simple nutrition tips to keep in mind:

• Don’t skip meals – irregular mealtimes can lead to poor bile flow, which may contribute to gallstones, a trigger for pancreatitis. Skipping meals also means your blood glucose drops, and your pancreas works harder to tell your liver to release stored energy to bring levels back up.  
• Focus on healthy fats – you’ll want to avoid deep-fried foods, but including healthy fats in your diet such as nuts, avocado, olive oil, eggs and yoghurt can help keep bile flowing to reduce the risk of gallstones. 
• Build a pancreas-friendly plate – keep your blood sugar steady with a palm-sized serving of protein (meat, fish, eggs, tofu) at every meal, an abundance of leafy or colourful vegetables, and no more than a quarter plate of starchy carbs (rice, potato, pasta, bread).

Read our full guide on what you should eat on GLP-1s →  

Diet plays a central role in pancreatic health — but knowing what to eat, and what to avoid, isn't always straightforward. Whether you're looking to make lasting changes to the way you eat or simply want more confidence around food choices, having expert support can make all the difference.

As a Bliss customer, you have free access to your own qualified nutritionist, ready to help you build a healthy, sustainable eating plan that works for you. Your nutritionist is here to coach you every step of the way — no guesswork, just practical, personalised guidance.