GLP-1 Drugs May Lower Risk of Depression and Anxiety, Study Finds
In a recent study conducted by health analytics organization Epic Research, it has been found that GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, may have additional benefits beyond weight loss. The research suggests that patients who take GLP-1 drugs are less likely to be diagnosed with depression and anxiety compared to those who do not take the medication. While the study does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship, it provides further evidence that these drugs are generally safe for mental health.
Epic Research is an offshoot of Epic Systems, a company known for its software used in creating and maintaining electronic medical records. The organization has been analyzing real-world outcomes of GLP-1 drugs by examining the Cosmos database, which contains over 200 million patient records from hospitals and doctors’ offices in the United States and Lebanon. Previous studies from Epic Research have shown that a majority of former GLP-1 users continue to maintain their weight loss even after stopping the medication.
The latest research analyzed records from over four million patients who were prescribed GLP-1 drugs. While these drugs have been primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes, newer GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide have proven to be highly effective in treating obesity as well. The study compared the likelihood of patients being diagnosed with depression and anxiety to control groups who were not prescribed GLP-1 drugs. The results showed that most GLP-1 drugs were associated with a lower risk of both conditions in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The newest drugs on the market, such as tirzepatide and semaglutide, showed the lowest associated risks.
It is important to note that the findings have not yet undergone peer review and should be interpreted with caution. Observational studies like this can only establish a correlation between two factors and not causation. However, these findings align with previous research that has failed to find an increased risk of poor mental health associated with these newer GLP-1 drugs, despite initial concerns.
Last summer, health regulators in Europe received reports of suicide and suicidal thoughts possibly linked to GLP-1 use, prompting investigations worldwide. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States reported last month that there is no evidence suggesting that these drugs cause suicidal thoughts or actions. While the FDA is still investigating the matter, the overall safety profile of GLP-1 drugs seems to remain solid.
In conclusion, the recent study by Epic Research suggests that GLP-1 drugs may lower the risk of depression and anxiety in patients. While further research is needed to establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship, these findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the safety of these drugs for mental health. Patients prescribed GLP-1 drugs can take comfort in knowing that their medication is unlikely to have detrimental effects on their mental well-being.
