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A major new meta-analysis led by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London, alongside the University of Oxford's Department of Psychiatry, has found that glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1- RAs) - a class of medications used to treat obesity and diabetes – may also offer benefits for emotional wellbeing.
The research, published in JAMA Psychiatry, provides reassurance that use of GLP1-RAs, such as semaglutide, are not associated with any increased risk of psychiatric adverse events or worsening of depressive symptoms.
People living with obesity and/or diabetes are at an increased risk of poor mental health such as depression. This can have a knock-on impact, resulting in lower adherence to physical health medications, poor control of their blood sugar levels, and an increased risk of health complications related to obesity and diabetes. While there have been some concerns raised by health agencies about the potential negative psychological impact of GLP1-RAs, these reports have been inconsistent.
Researchers in this study identified 80 double-blind placebo-controlled randomised control trials representing 107,860 patients experiencing obesity and diabetes to examine their mental health outcomes, mental health related quality of life, and risk of psychiatric adverse events as a result of GLP1-RA use.
Read the full story on the Department of Psychiatry website.