Some weight loss drugs have been linked to a reduced likelihood of diagnoses for depression and anxiety, according to a study published Feb. 6 by Epic Research.
The study examined the connection between mental health diagnoses and GLP-1 medications, which have been used for glucose control in diabetic patients, with some recently receiving FDA approval for weight management in obese patients. GLP-1 medications include popular name brands such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro.
The study analyzed more than 3 million diabetic patients and almost 1 million non-diabetic patients taking these medications and their various active ingredients.
It found that diabetic patients taking medications with Semaglitude as the active ingredient, like Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss, were 45% and 44% less likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety, respectively.
Meanwhile, diabetic patients taking medications with tirzepatide as the active ingredient were 65% less likely to be diagnosed with depression and 60% less likely to be diagnosed with anxiety.