Study Finds GLP-1 Medications Decrease Likelihood of Mental Health Diagnoses
In a groundbreaking research study conducted by Epic Research, it has been revealed that most weight loss drugs, specifically GLP-1 medications, are associated with a lower likelihood of depression and anxiety diagnoses. The study, which examined over three million diabetic patients and nearly one million non-diabetic patients, highlights the potential dual benefits of these drugs.
GLP-1 Medications: Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro
The research focused on GLP-1 medications, including popular name brands such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro. Semaglutide, the active ingredient found in Ozempic and Wegovy, is commonly used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. The study found that diabetic patients taking Semaglutide had a 45% lower likelihood of depression diagnosis and a 44% lower likelihood of anxiety diagnosis.
Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound, also used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, showed even more promising results. Diabetic patients taking Tirzepatide demonstrated a 65% lower likelihood of depression diagnosis and a 60% lower likelihood of anxiety diagnosis.
Potential Dual Purpose for Patients
These findings suggest that the drugs approved for treating type 2 diabetes may also have potential benefits for mental health. However, researcher Kersten Bartelt emphasizes that further research is needed before considering these medications as standalone treatments for anxiety or depression.
“These results show that these medications may serve a dual purpose for patients, but we do not understand them well enough yet to say these medications should be given as a treatment for anxiety or depression outside of diabetes or weight management,” Bartelt explained to ABC News.
Weight Loss Drugs and Mental Health
These research findings coincide with a recent preliminary review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which found no evidence linking weight loss drugs to suicidal thoughts. However, it is important to note that the study relied on electronic patient records, meaning only patients with diagnosed anxiety and/or depression were included. Those who displayed symptoms but were never formally diagnosed could not be included.
The exact reasons behind the reduced rates of depression and anxiety diagnoses remain unclear. It is uncertain whether the medications directly contribute to these positive outcomes, if weight loss in general plays a role, or if it is a combination of both factors. Further investigation is necessary to fully understand the underlying mechanisms.