Ozempic and other popular weight loss drugs have shown promise not only in helping shed excess weight, but also in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular deaths and kidney disease, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes. However, these GLP-1 agonists are not without side effects. Vision loss, thyroid tumours, and pancreatitis are some of the concerning side effects users may face.
A new study warns against another hidden risk of GLP-1 drugs that could affect some people. A new research published in Current Neuropharmacology uncovers a link between weight loss drugs like Ozempic and an increased risk of depression and suicidal ideation.
A team of 24 researchers used a set of advanced pharmacogenomic computational methods to figure genetic pathways that may predispose certain people to depressive symptoms when using GLP-1 agonists.
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Scientists from different countries – United States, Brazil, Iran, and Israel found that although GLP-1 receptor agonists can benefit people with hyperdopaminergia or elevated dopamine activity, they can have adverse effects on those with hypodopaminergia or reduced dopamine function.
Researchers identified links between GLP-1 agonists and several important genes tied to mood and reward regulation, such as DRD3, BDNF, and CREB1. These genes are central to dopamine signaling, and any disruption in their function could potentially lead to depressive symptoms, mood disorders, or suicidal thoughts, particularly in individuals who are more susceptible.
“This study should not be ignored, despite the hype surrounding the positive clinical outcomes of GLP1 receptor agonists,” said senior author Dr. Kenneth Blum, Research Professor at Western University Health Sciences and Ariel University. “We urge the clinical prescribing community to proceed with caution to avoid another tragic wave of ‘people dying to lose weight.’”
“The paper provides critical evidence for re-evaluating the widespread use of GLP1 receptor agonists. The FDA and other regulatory agencies should carefully consider our findings when it comes to labeling and monitoring these drugs,” said Dr. Mark S. Gold, an addiction psychiatry pioneer and co-author.
What earlier studies said
According to a study published in Epic Research, people with diabetes taking tirzepatide were 65% less likely to be diagnosed with depression and 60% less likely to have anxiety, compared to people not taking them. People with diabetes who were taking semaglutide were 45% less likely to be diagnosed with depression, and 44% less likely to have anxiety.
A comprehensive study involving over 162,000 individuals found that users of GLP-1 receptor agonists exhibited a 98% higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Specifically, there was a 195% increased risk for major depression, a 108% rise in anxiety, and a 106% elevation in suicidal behaviors compared to non-users.
Individual case studies have highlighted instances where patients experienced worsening depression after initiating semaglutide treatment, especially those with a prior history of mood disorders.
