Take Care of Your Pancreas: 7 Things You’re Doing That Put It at Risk, According to New Studies

• Pancreas: Habits That Harm It
• Risks of Weight-Loss Medications
• How to Prevent Pancreatitis

The pancreas is a vital yet often forgotten organ. We don’t see it, we don’t feel it, and we hardly ever talk about it… until it stops working.

Pancreatitis—a dangerous inflammation of the pancreas—can strike suddenly and change your life in a matter of hours.

The good news? It can be prevented.

Here’s how, in 7 clear and direct points.

All About Pancreatitis

1. What is Pancreatitis and Why Should You Care?

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It can be acute (sudden and extremely painful) or chronic (slowly damaging the organ over time).

In both cases, it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin, so when it malfunctions, it affects everything from digestion to blood sugar metabolism.

2. Regular Alcohol Consumption (Even If You’re Not an “Alcoholic”) Can Be Deadly

One of the main risk factors for pancreatitis—especially chronic—is frequent alcohol consumption.

And you don’t have to be a heavy drinker to harm it: over time, even moderate amounts can damage pancreatic tissue.

If you’re drinking several times a week, your pancreas is already at risk.

3. Eating Too Much Fat Does Affect Your Pancreas

A diet high in saturated fats (like fried foods, processed meats, fast food) forces your pancreas to work overtime to aid digestion.

This raises the risk of acute pancreatitis, particularly when combined with alcohol.

The best approach is to limit unhealthy fats and choose healthier options like avocado, fish, or nuts.

4. Ignoring Gallstones Can Be Costly

Gallstones can block the pancreatic duct and cause acute pancreatitis.

Even if you know you have gallstones and they haven’t caused issues yet… they still could.

It’s wise to consult your doctor if you have a history of gallstones, frequent abdominal pain, or heavy digestion.

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5. Do You Take Medications Without Supervision? Some Can Harm Your Pancreas

Certain medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and steroids, have been linked to cases of pancreatitis.

If you’re taking them without a prescription, for extended periods, or combined with other drugs, you could be harming your pancreas without realizing it.

Always check with a doctor before self-medicating.

6. Being Overweight and Having Diabetes Also Work Against You

Obesity or uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of developing pancreatitis.

This is because both conditions affect metabolism and can trigger inflammation in the body, including the pancreas.

A balanced diet, regular exercise, and medical monitoring are essential to keep it healthy.

7. How to Prevent Pancreatitis and Protect Your Pancreas

• Moderate your alcohol intake
• Follow a diet low in unhealthy fats
• Don’t smoke (yes, it matters too)
• Maintain a healthy weight and blood sugar levels
• Don’t self-medicate
• Listen to your body: if you experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, or fever, see a doctor.

8. Warning About Side Effects from Weight-Loss Medications

An investigation in the United Kingdom has been launched following hundreds of reports of acute and chronic pancreatitis among people using weight-loss injections such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.

Although it has not been confirmed that these medications are the direct cause, health authorities—including the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)—are asking hospitalized pancreatitis patients who have used these drugs to report their cases.

The study, in collaboration with Genomics England, aims to determine whether certain people have a higher genetic risk of developing pancreatitis when taking these medications.

As of May 2025, there have been 10 deaths linked to pancreatitis in patients using these treatments, though investigations continue into whether other factors were involved.

The MHRA has also warned that Mounjaro may interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptive pills.

9. Don’t Ignore the Signs: Your Body Always Warns You

Pancreatitis can start with mild symptoms like upper abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, but can quickly worsen.

If you have these symptoms, don’t self-medicate or wait for them to “go away on their own.”

Getting medical attention promptly can mean the difference between a simple recovery and severe complications like pancreatic necrosis or multi-organ failure.

Never underestimate persistent abdominal pain.

Did you know about all these habits that could harm your pancreas without you realizing it?

SOURCE: Mayo Clinic / MedlinePlus