Widely used weight-loss and diabetes drugs are now being examined for a different reason.
Researchers say the medications could have unexpected mental health benefits. Early findings suggest a link, though experts stress more research is needed.
Promising link
According to reporting by the Daily Mirror, drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Both treatments contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Researchers analysed Swedish health registry data from 2009 to 2022, focusing on patients with mental health conditions receiving diabetes care.
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The study included more than 95,000 people, with 22,480 using GLP-1 medications.
Lower risk
Findings published in The Lancet Psychiatry indicate that semaglutide and liraglutide are linked to a reduced risk of worsening mental health.
Semaglutide in particular was associated with a 44% lower risk of worsening depression and a 38% lower risk of worsening anxiety. A reduced risk of substance misuse was also observed.
Researchers suggest the drugs may offer combined benefits for people living with both metabolic and mental health conditions.
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Questions remain
Scientists note that the study design does not establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship.
Possible explanations include weight loss, improved blood sugar control and lifestyle changes, alongside potential effects on the brain’s reward system.
Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind the findings.
Pregnancy insight
A separate Danish study examined more than 756,000 pregnancies and assessed exposure to GLP-1 drugs in early stages.
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An increased risk of pre-term birth was found among those using the drugs for diabetes treatment, while no elevated risk appeared among those using them for weight loss.
Researchers indicated that underlying diabetes may explain the difference.
Sources: Mirror
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