Are Weight Loss Injections Affecting Your Mental Health?

Weight Loss Drugs Like Ozempic and Mounjaro May Increase Risk of Depression and Suicidal Thoughts, Experts Warn

A new study by international researchers has raised concerns that popular weight-loss injections such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro could be associated with increased risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts in certain individuals. These drugs, which are part of the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, have rapidly gained popularity as effective treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, experts now caution that their use may come with serious psychiatric side effects.

According to the research, these medications may interfere with dopamine levels — a neurotransmitter crucial for regulating mood and motivation. In individuals genetically predisposed to dopamine deficiency, known as hypodopaminergia, GLP-1 agonists may disturb neural signaling and increase susceptibility to mental health complications.

Psychopharmacologist Dr. Kenneth Blum, senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of these findings. “We urge the clinical prescribing community to proceed with caution to avoid another tragic wave of people dying to lose weight,” he said.

The study involved a collaboration of 24 scientists from countries including the United States, Brazil, Iran, and Israel. Using computer simulations, they analyzed how GLP-1 receptor agonists interact with genes involved in dopamine signaling — specifically DRD3, BDNF, and CREB1. In individuals with certain genetic variants, these medications were found to disrupt dopamine function, potentially triggering depression or even suicidal ideation.

These findings come amid a broader investigation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which is reviewing GLP-1 agonists after reports of psychiatric adverse events. This includes not only depression and anxiety but also instances of suicidal thoughts among patients using the medication.

GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, which helps regulate appetite by making individuals feel full. While this mechanism has been praised for its effectiveness in promoting weight loss and reducing risks of heart disease and stroke, it may come at a psychological cost for some.

In the UK, demand for these injections has surged, with estimates suggesting that at least one in ten women have used them for weight loss. But beyond mood disorders, previous reports have also linked these medications to a range of physical complications, including:

• Gastrointestinal problems, such as stomach paralysis
  
  
• Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas
  
  
• Vision loss
  
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  

An earlier eight-year study that tracked over 160,000 obese individuals found that users of GLP-1 drugs faced:

• 3 times the risk of suicidal behavior
  
  
• 3 times the risk of depression
  
  
• 2 times the risk of anxiety
  Compared to non-users.
  

With such serious psychiatric implications, the study’s authors advocate for incorporating genetic screening into the decision-making process for prescribing these medications. By identifying those who may have a genetic predisposition to dopamine-related mood disorders, healthcare professionals can better personalize treatment and avoid potential harm.