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

GLP-1 receiver agonists (RAS LPG-1), medications that help control diabetes and type 2 obesity, can have a deep impact on physical well-being, but what about mental health?

Some examples of these medications include semaglutids, such as Ozempic and Wogovy, and Liraglutide, such as Victaza and Saxenda.

Several studies have indicated towards LPG-1 ra that cause mental health complications, such as anxiety and depression.

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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) published an investigation in June 2024 that considered the correlation between semaglutid therapy and the “exacerbation of mood.”

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

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

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

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Doctors intervene about medicines and mood

Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon who often prescribes LPG-1 to his patients, believes that “there is no causal relationship” between these medications and mental illnesses.

“The researchers analyzed genetic markers in almost half a million people from different origins in search of a link between the gene behind the GLP-1 receptors and mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation, and did not find it,” he summarized.

Obesas or fight against type 2 diabetes are “often depressed” without the medicine, the doctor said.

“These conditions affect, emotionally and socially,” he said. “So, yes, a large part of the patients who begin GLP-1 drugs are already dealing with mental health struggles. But that is not because of the medication, that is due to the disease.”

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Once these people begin to weight, blood sugar is stabilized and energy improves, which usually raises their mood.

“GLP-1 drugs help people recover their health,” Osborn said. “They reduce inflammation. They lower the blood sugar level. They go back to the waist.”

“And when people look and feel better, when their bodies finally start working for them instead of them, they often smile more, no less.”

Dr. Muhammad Ghanem, a bariatric surgeon at the Health Loss Institute of Orlando and Bariatric Surgery, shared a separate interview with News Digital that, although some of their patients have reported humor changes, others “do not have that at all.”

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“Changes in depression or mood are very common independently, especially today, so it is difficult [determine] If this is related to GLP-1 agonist medications, or if it is simply that they began to suffer after they started that medicine, “he said.

“It is really difficult to know if it is a personality change that can occur due to weight loss or if it is a side effect due to humor changes,” he added. “I don’t think we have enough data to get to that conclusion still.”

According to Ghanem, patients who lose weight with LPG-1 may experience a “great impulse” in trust, 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 trials to reach a conclusion, and better studies to determine whether this is related to the medication itself or simply weight loss.”

“It is important that all doctors who recipe these medications know and verify the patient’s history.”

For those who are interested in these medications or who experience humor changes while taking them, the surgeon emphasized the importance of keeping in close contact with medical suppliers.

“Like any other medicine, they can have possible side effects,” he said.

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

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Dr. Brunilda Nazario, MD, Chief Medical Editor of Medical Affairs on WebMD, told News Digital that “obesity is complicated.”

“Obesity specialists … are cautiously excited about how well these drugs work,” he said.

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“With current studies that show conflicting results in mood disorders and the use of GLP-1 medicines, it is important that all doctors who recipe these medications know and verify the patient’s history before prescribing [them]”

Nazario emphasized that it is “vital” that LPG-1 ra uses listen to their bodies, urging them to pay attention to their feelings and know the symptoms of mood disorders.

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

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Nazario pointed out that LPG-1 RAS can affect the mood in many different ways.

“Not everyone is negative, they also have the potential to improve mood,” he said. “Just seeing great results can increase self -esteem, trust and body image.”