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From Fox News: GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), medications that help control type 2 diabetes and obesity, can have a profound impact on physical wellness – but what about mental health?
Various studies have pointed toward GLP-1 RAs causing mental health complications, such as anxiety and depression.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) published research in June 2024 that considered the correlation between semaglutide therapy and “exacerbating mood disturbances.”
The study highlighted the association of negative mood changes in patients with type 2 diabetes with a history of depression, warning healthcare providers to be aware of this “potential risk.”
According to the report, the medications that can cause mental complications include semaglutides like Ozempic and Wegovy. Also included are liraglutides like Victoza and Saxenda.
Another recent study published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, had a different take. While it also suggests a link between the drugs and mental health, it suggests that genetics are involved.
The study said GLP-1 RA variants had “consistent cardiometabolic effects” in a variety of groups in the UK, but that mental health impact was “more varied,” and “likely not acting directly through [the medications].”
The Fox News report further cites Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon “who often prescribes GLP-1 RAs to his patients.” Osborn does not think a “consistent causal relationship” exists between the medications and mental conditions.
“Researchers assayed genetic markers across almost half a million people from different backgrounds in search of a link between the gene behind GLP-1 receptors and mental health problems like depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation — and they didn’t find it,” he reportedly said.
Weight loss drugs GLP1-RAs, such as semaglutide, may also improve emotional wellbeing in overweight users and are not associated with any increased risk of psychiatric adverse events or worsening of depressive symptoms.
Researchers in this study identified 80 double-blind… pic.twitter.com/8a5x8PCW6g
— Professor Erwin Loh (@erwinloh) May 17, 2025
Ozempic and similar drugs are safe and effective for people with mental illness looking to lose weight – Scimex https://t.co/zfal0alNqN
— Sergey Minaev (@sminaev2015) May 11, 2025
There are known side effects to the popular weight loss drugs, but doctors say that while those at risk should avoid the medications, many others will find them safe for use.
“Common side effects are nausea & burping. Seen few with gall bladder issues,” says David Chandy, Director, Department of Endocrinology at Sir H N Reliance Hospital & Research Center, as he talks to @ekta_batra about the side effects of weight loss drugs.
“Avoid the drug, if… pic.twitter.com/0ISNNF4VCj
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) May 15, 2025
READ MORE from Fox News.
Weight loss, diabetes drugs can cause mood changes: What to know about behavioral side effects https://t.co/nL4MNFWpy4
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 17, 2025
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