Weight loss, diabetes drugs can cause mood changes: what to know about the side effects of behavior

GLP-1 (Ras GLP-1) agonists, medicines that help control type 2 diabetes and obesity, can have a deep impact on physical well-being, but what happens to mental health?

Examples of these medicines include semaglutids, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, and Liraglutide, such as Vicza and Saxenda.

Several studies have pointed to Ras GLP-1, causing mental health complications, such as anxiety and depression.

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The National Health Institutes (NIH) published investigations in June 2024, which considered the correlation between semaglutidal therapy and “disturbances of the state of the state of the state of the mood”.

The study highlighted the association of negative mood changes in patients with type 2 diabetes with a history of depression, warning that healthcare providers are aware of this “potential risk”.

But a more recent study, published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, suggested that these mood changes were related to genetic variations between various populations and ancestors in the Biobank in the United Kingdom.

While GLP-1 RA variants had “consistent cardiometabolic effects” on all groups, researchers said that the negative impacts on mental health were “more varied”, concluding that any behavior change “probably does not act directly through [the medications]. “”

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Doctors weigh medicines and mood

Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgery who often prescribes GLP-1 RAS to his patients, believes that there is “no consistent causal relationship” between these medicines and mental illness.

“The researchers tried genetic markers to almost half a million people from different origins in search of a bond between the GLP-1 genes and mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation, and they did not find it.”

People who are obese or fight against type 2 diabetes are “often already depressed” without medication, the doctor said.

“These conditions affect physically, emotionally and socially,” he said. “So, yes, a large part of Patients who begin GPP-1 medicines are already treating mental health struggles. But this is not due to the drug, this is because of the disease.”

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Once these individuals begin to lower weight, blood sugar is stabilized and energy improves, which usually increases their mood.

“GLP-1 drugs help people regain their health,” said Osborn. “They reduce inflammation. They lower blood sugar. The waists are reduced.”

“And when people look and feel better, when their bodies finally begin to work for them instead, they often smile more, no less.”

Dr. Muhammad Ghanam, a bariatric surgeon at the Orlando Institute for Health Loss and Health Surgery, shared in a separate interview with Fox News Digital, which, while some of his patients have denounced mood changes, others have not at all. “

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“Changes of depression or mood are very common, regardless of, especially today, and therefore it is difficult [determine] Whether you relate to GLP-1 agonist medicines, or only they began to suffer after they started this drug, “he said.

“It is very difficult to know if it is a change in personality that can happen due to weight loss or a side effect due to mood changes,” he added. “I don’t think we have enough data to reach this conclusion.”

According to Ghanem, patients who lose weight with Ras GLP-1 may experience a “great impulse”, as well as a change in personality and even relationships.

“It really depends on the person and the support system they have,” he said. “You need adequate random controlled test to reach a conclusion and better studies to determine if this is related to the medicine or only weight loss.”

“It is important that all doctors who prescribe these medicines be aware and check the patient’s history.”

For those who are interested in these medicines or have mood changes while taking them, the surgeon emphasized the importance of maintaining close contact with medical providers.

“Like any other drug, they can have potential side effects,” he said.

Ghanem recommended seeking professionals and practices that adopt a “holistic approach” for weight loss, offering mental health support in addition to medication.

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Dr. Brunilda Nazario, MD, publisher of Medical Affairs Medical Affairs doctors, told Fox News Digital that “obesity is complicated”.

“Obesity specialists … are excited about the operation of these drugs,” he said.

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“With current studies that show conflicting results on mood disorders and the use of GLP-1 drugs, it is important for all doctors to prescribe these medicines to be aware and check the patient’s history before prescribing [them]. “”

Nazario emphasized that it is “vital” for GLP-1 RA users to listen to their body, instant them with attention to their feelings and to know the symptoms of mood disorders.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel something is not right; your health depends on it,” he added.

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Nazario said that Ras GLP-1 can affect the mood in many different ways.

“They are not all negative, they can also improve their mood,” he said. “Only seeing great results can you increase self -esteem, confidence and body image.”