Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, known for treating type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss, might also improve mental health. A large study found these drugs are linked to fewer psychiatric hospital visits and less time off work due to mental health issues.
Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland, Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, and Griffith University in Australia conducted the study.
Obesity and diabetes often increase the risk of depression and anxiety. Similarly, people with mental health disorders are more likely to develop metabolic diseases. This connection led researchers to explore if physical health treatments could also affect mental well-being.
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Start Your News DetoxTracking Nearly 100,000 People
The researchers used data from Swedish national health registers. They followed almost 100,000 people from 2009 to 2022. Over 20,000 of these individuals had used GLP-1 medications. This large dataset allowed them to compare periods when people were taking the drugs with periods when they were not.
Big Drops in Depression, Anxiety, and Hospital Care
The study showed a strong link between GLP-1 drug use and better mental health. Specifically, using GLP-1 medications, especially semaglutide (found in Ozempic and Wegovy), was tied to fewer psychiatric hospital visits and less sick leave.
When people were taking semaglutide, psychiatric hospital care and sick leave dropped by 42%. The risk of depression was 44% lower, and anxiety disorders were reduced by 38%.
Lower Risk of Substance Use and Suicidal Behavior
The study also found fewer substance use disorders. Hospital care and work absence related to substance use were 47% lower during semaglutide use. Additionally, GLP-1 drugs were linked to a lower risk of suicidal behavior.
Professor Mark Taylor from Griffith University, one of the study's authors, expected these results. He noted an earlier study in Swedish registers found GLP-1 medications reduced the risk of alcohol use disorder. Since alcohol problems often affect mood and anxiety, a positive effect on these was anticipated.
How Do These Drugs Affect the Brain?
The strength of the results surprised the researchers. Because it was a registry-based study, it couldn't pinpoint exactly how these medications influence mental health.
Research Director Markku Lähteenvuo from the University of Eastern Finland explained that the association was very strong. He suggested several possibilities. These include reduced alcohol consumption, better body image from weight loss, or relief from improved diabetes control. There might also be direct brain changes, such as in the brain's reward system.
Published in a Top Psychiatry Journal
The findings appeared in The Lancet Psychiatry. While some earlier, smaller studies on GLP-1 drugs and mental health had mixed results, this large, long-term analysis provides stronger evidence. It suggests these common medications may have wider effects beyond blood sugar and weight management.
