Popular Weight Loss Drugs May Affect Your Mental Health—Here's What New Research Shows

A comprehensive new study tracking 226 patients over nearly two years found that popular weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy appear to be mentally safe for most people, though a small percentage may develop new psychiatric symptoms. The research, conducted at a private university hospital, offers the most detailed look yet at how glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) affect mental health.

What Did Researchers Find About Mental Health Side Effects?

Among the 226 adults studied (average age 53.5 years, 66.8% female, average body mass index of 33.6), most patients with existing mental health conditions remained stable during treatment. Specifically, 73.6% of those with major depressive disorder and 78.5% of those with generalized anxiety disorder showed no worsening of symptoms while taking these medications for an average of 20.2 months.

However, the study did identify some concerning patterns. New-onset major depressive disorder developed in 9.0% of patients, typically appearing after about 15.8 months of treatment. Similarly, 8.7% developed new generalized anxiety disorder after an average of 16.8 months. The researchers also observed rare cases of new alcohol use disorder, trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), and opioid use disorder.

Which Medications Were Most Commonly Prescribed?

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy, was the most frequently prescribed medication in the study, accounting for 73% of all prescriptions. Patients achieved an average weight loss of 6.7% during the treatment period.

The study revealed several key psychiatric conditions that emerged during treatment:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Showed the shortest time to onset at just 7.8 months, suggesting it may appear earlier than mood disorders
• Adjustment Disorder: Developed in a subset of patients, though specific timing wasn't detailed in the research
• Insomnia: Also emerged as a new condition in some participants during the study period

What Do These Findings Mean for Patients?

The research suggests that while GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking a hormone produced in the small intestine that helps control blood sugar and promotes feelings of fullness, they also influence brain pathways involved in mood, reward processing, and stress regulation. This connection explains why some patients might experience psychiatric changes.

"GLP-1 RAs appear psychiatrically well-tolerated for most patients, though new-onset or worsening symptoms occur in a minority, underscoring the need for monitoring, particularly in high-risk populations," the researchers concluded in their study.

The findings are particularly relevant given that major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder were already highly prevalent among study participants, affecting 68.6% and 65.9% respectively. This suggests that people seeking weight loss treatment may already be at higher risk for mental health challenges.

The researchers emphasized that prospective studies are needed to better understand whether these medications directly cause psychiatric symptoms or if other factors might be involved. They recommend careful monitoring of patients, especially those with existing mental health conditions or risk factors, when starting GLP-1 therapy for diabetes or weight management.