One GLP-1 drug cuts risk of worsening depression by 44% in major study

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By Emma Wilkinson

Use of GLP1 medications to treat diabetes and obesity might prevent worsening of depression and anxiety, a large study has reported.

It is not the first time a link between the weight loss medications and mood disorders has been noted but the researchers said they were surprised by the magnitude of the effect they found.

The analysis of health records of 100,000 participants, over 20,000 of whom had used GLP-1 medications, showed a particular association with semaglutide and reduction in mental health decline.

During periods of semaglutide use, the risk of worsening mental illness measured by looking at psychiatric hospitalisation, sick leave from work for more than 14 days for psychiatric reasons, hospitalisation due to self-harm, or death by suicide was reduced by 42% compared with periods when GLP-1 medications were not used.

In a separate analysis looking at worsening of mental health symptoms, there was a 44% lower risk for depression and 38% for anxiety disorders, they reported in The Lancet Psychiatry.