Weight loss drugs linked to ‘depression and anxiety’ side effect astounds scientists

A new study, which analyzed data from over three million diabetic patients and nearly one million non-diabetic patients taking GLP-1 medications, showed that a number of drugs used for weight loss were linked to a lower likelihood of depression and anxiety diagnoses.
The research, which included well-known brands such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, was published by Epic Research on Tuesday.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in medications like Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss, has shown promising results in reducing the risk of depression and anxiety diagnoses among diabetic patients.
According to the study, individuals taking Semaglutide were 45 percent less likely to receive a diagnosis of depression and 44 percent less likely to receive a diagnosis of anxiety.
Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in medications like Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss, has exhibited significant potential in reducing the likelihood of depression and anxiety diagnoses among diabetic patients.
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According to the study, individuals taking Tirzepatide were 65 percent less likely to receive a diagnosis of depression and 60 percent  less likely to receive a diagnosis of anxiety.
It’s worth noting that drugs approved for treating type 2 diabetes may also be prescribed “off-label” for weight loss purposes.
However, researcher Kersten Bartelt cautioned that while these medications may offer a dual benefit for patients, further research is needed to fully understand their potential as treatments for anxiety or depression beyond diabetes or weight management.
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These findings follow a recent preliminary review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which found no evidence linking weight loss drugs to suicidal thoughts.
The study relied on electronic patient records, which necessitated patients to have a formal diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression.
This criterion may have excluded individuals who exhibited symptoms of these mental conditions but were never officially diagnosed.
The study did not definitively determine whether the decreased diagnoses of depression and anxiety were directly attributed to the medications, weight loss itself, or a combination of both factors.