A new study from the University of Bern reveals that GLP-1 receptor agonists, commonly used for weight loss, not only help reduce appetite but also improve mental health. These drugs, including semaglutide (sold as Ozempic or Wegovy), were originally developed for diabetes. Presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, the research shows that these injections are more effective in boosting mental health than insulin or other antidiabetic treatments. The findings offer hope for individuals with severe mental health issues, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.
GLP-1 Drugs Show Positive Impact on Mental Health
The research, based on five clinical studies, highlighted that GLP-1 drugs significantly enhance psychological wellbeing in patients with and without mental health conditions. Participants with severe mental illnesses reported improvements in mood and overall quality of life after using the drugs. In fact, these injections were found to provide better mental health outcomes than traditional diabetes medications. The study emphasizes that GLP-1 drugs do not worsen mental health or introduce new psychiatric risks, offering a promising alternative to other treatments.
No Increase in Psychiatric Risks
The study’s results suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists are safe for people with mental illnesses. The findings confirmed that the use of these medications does not lead to an increase in psychiatric conditions or hospitalizations. In fact, both adults with mental illnesses and those without saw improvements in mental wellbeing when treated with GLP-1 injections, compared to those receiving traditional diabetes drugs.
Potential Antidepressant and Anti-Anxiety Effects
Dr. Sigrid Breit, the study’s lead author, believes these drugs may have antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. This is attributed to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. According to Dr. Breit, these mechanisms may help reduce neuroinflammation, a potential contributor to mood disorders. These findings are especially relevant for individuals suffering from severe mental health conditions, as they are more likely to experience obesity compared to the general population.
Mental Health Experts Support Findings
The results were welcomed by mental health professionals. Dr. Ed Beveridge, from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, called the study’s findings crucial. He recommended prioritizing access to semaglutide for patients with mental illnesses, ensuring clinical supervision throughout treatment. Mental health advocate Rachel Hastings-Caplan from Rethink Mental Illness emphasized the importance of addressing the broader health crisis faced by individuals with serious mental illnesses. People in this group are often at higher risk of developing preventable conditions like diabetes and obesity due to the side effects of antipsychotic medications.
The Need for Holistic Treatment
While the study offers promising results, Hastings-Caplan cautioned that weight-loss drugs are not a permanent solution. She stressed the need for more investment in treatments that can manage mental health conditions without negatively impacting physical health. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of caution when prescribing weight-loss drugs, especially to individuals at risk of eating disorders.
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
The Institute for Fiscal Studies reports that approximately 15% of working-age adults in England and Wales live with long-term mental health or behavioral conditions. In December 2024, around 2 million people were in contact with NHS mental health services, underscoring the need for effective, accessible, and comprehensive treatment approaches. The new study on GLP-1 drugs brings hope that improved treatments for both mental and physical health may be on the horizon.