- GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic were associated with a reduction in diagnoses of depression and anxiety in a new report.
- The report observed the connection in the medical records of over three million people with diabetes and nearly one million taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss.
- The results of the report suggest a mental health benefit for this class of drugs beyond diabetes health and weight control.
GLP-1 agonist diabetes drugs have found a second use as weight-loss medications. Now, a new study from electronic medical records company Epic reports that their use also corresponds to a reduction in depression and anxiety.
Five GLP-1 drugs were linked to reduced depression and anxiety in people with diabetes, compared with people who were not taking GLP-1 medications.
This group of medications is based on related compounds, all of which are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP) receptor agonists that mimic the natural GLP-1 intestinal hormone. In doing so, they produce insulin after eating, helping to reduce blood sugar. They also slow the emptying of the stomach and promote a sensation of being full, leading to a reduction in appetite.
The medications are generally injectable, although oral versions are also available.
The most well-known GLP-1 drugs, Wegovy and Ozempic, are based on semaglutide. Other GLP-1 agonist compounds tested in the study are liraglutide, dulaglutide, and exenatide, as well as tirzepatide that mimics a second intestinal hormone, gastric inhibitory polypeptide, or GIP, in addition to GLP-1.
People with diabetes taking tirzepatide were 65% less likely to be diagnosed with depression and 60% less likely to have anxiety, compared to people not taking GLP-1 drugs. People with diabetes who were taking semaglutide were 45% less likely to be diagnosed with depression, and 44% less likely to have anxiety.
Two of the drugs, semaglutide and liraglutide, were assessed as regards depression and anxiety in people without diabetes.
For people who do not…
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