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A recent study by Epic Research has come out on the link between GLP-1 medications and depression. They found that most weight loss drugs, particularly those belonging to the GLP-1 medication class like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, lead to a reduced likelihood of depression and anxiety diagnoses. The research involved over three million diabetic patients and almost one million non-diabetic patients.
Findings
The study highlighted specific findings for drugs containing Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). Diabetic patients taking Semaglutide were 45% less likely to be diagnosed with depression; they are also 44% less likely to be diagnosed with anxiety. Similarly, those taking Tirzepatide were 65% less likely to be diagnosed with depression and 60% less likely to be diagnosed with anxiety.
The medications in question were designed to treat type 2 diabetes. Often, doctors prescribe them "off-label" for weight loss. However, the researchers warned that while these drugs might have a dual purpose, we need more research before recommending them as treatments for anxiety or depression beyond diabetes or weight management.
Prior Research
A prior FDA review found no evidence linking weight loss drugs to suicidal thoughts. The study used electronic patient records, which required patients to have a formal diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression. It remains unclear whether the observed lower rates of depression and anxiety were directly due to the medications, weight loss in general, or a combination of both factors.
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