European Medicine Agency is undertaking a review after a possible link was reported between weight-loss medicine and suicidal and self-harm thoughts.

The Agency decided to begin the review after three cases were reported by Iceland. The drugs include Wegovy, Saxenda and Ozempic among others.

The drugs are usually used to curb apetites to make sure people do not eat too much. A BBC report said that the product information for these medicine already said suicidal thoughts could be a possible side-effect.

The three cases reported by Iceland included one case each of suicidal thoughts being induced after consuming Saxenda and Ozempic. The third case included thoughts of self-harm after use of Saxenda.

Weight loss drugs are already known to have a variety of side effects including nausea, vomiting, headaches, diarrhoea and constipation.

However, the the product labels advise that users should pay attention to any mental changes including moods, thoughts and behaviours.

The demand for such medicine is high due to social media posts promoting certain types of body images, especially by celebrities. The medicines are approved and licensed in the UK and are often prescribed by general physicians and weight loss experts.