GLP-1RA medications such as Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound may reduce depression symptoms and could be used as treatment for depression based on results from this study:
https://www.ajgponline.org/article/S1064-7481(23)00394-9/fulltext
At North Shore Weight Loss, we practitioners hear patients tell us that they just “feel better” on these medications, both physically and mentally. Many attribute their better mood and feelings to the improved self esteem they feel while taking semaglutide or tirzepetide which is associated with the weight loss, but maybe the medications have a direct effect on the brain. In my private practice, I can tell you that I have observed patients that I have followed for a long time make positive life changes that seem to strongly correlate to long term use of the GLP-1 medications. This has been reinforced on several occasions when patients have told me that their mental health was positively affected by taking the medications, and patients opt to continue taking or resume taking it for reasons other than maintaining weight. It wouldn’t surprise me to learn in the future that this class of drug will be indicated for treatment of depression. My observation is that it has the same effect on anxiety.stay tuned!
