A class of weight-loss medications known as GLP-1s has revolutionized the ongoing battle against the waistline.
GLP-1s are drugs that mimic a natural gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which your body releases after you eat. The drugs boost insulin, slow stomach emptying and reduce appetite, helping control blood sugar and, usually, weight.
They’re often prescribed for people with diabetes.
A recent large study by European and Australian scientists shows that these medications are also effective at something else: improving mental health.
Diabetes and mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorder, have always been intertwined, complicating the treatment of both.
The study used a massive Swedish database that tracks the health of the nation’s residents. They followed 100,000 people, including 20,000 taking GLP-1 medications, from 2009 to 2022.
The researchers found that people taking the weight-loss drug suffered fewer psychiatric-related hospitalizations and sick leave. This was especially true for the GLP-1 semaglutide.
Depression risk for those prescribed semaglutide decreased by 44%, and anxiety disorder risk fell by 38%. In the meantime, suicidal behavior fell for those taking GLP-1s generally.
Researchers say the study didn’t reveal why these effects are seen or whether biological factors are at work. But they say improved body image can be beneficial to mental health. And people with diabetes might experience less stress from managing their blood sugar.
GLP-1 medications are becoming an essential tool in the battle against obesity. Perhaps this will include mental health, too.