GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide found in Ozempic and Wegovy, show potential to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to new research.
Study Examines Mental Health Impact
Researchers analyzed data from Swedish health registries spanning 2009 to 2022, focusing on over 95,000 patients diagnosed with anxiety or depression who also took anti-diabetic medications. Among them, 22,480 used GLP-1 drugs.
The findings, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, reveal that semaglutide links to a 44% lower risk of worsening depression, a 38% reduced risk of worsening anxiety, and decreased substance abuse risk compared to non-users. Liraglutide, marketed as Saxenda, associates with a lower risk of depression progression.
Potential Dual Benefits
“For anxiety and depression that co-occur with diabetes and obesity, semaglutide and, to a lesser extent, liraglutide might be useful dually effective therapeutic options,” state researchers from the University of Eastern Finland, Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, and Griffith University in Australia.
Markku Lahteenvuo, research director at the University of Eastern Finland, notes: “This registry-based study cannot pinpoint exactly why these medications affect mood symptoms, but the association proves strong. Factors like reduced alcohol use, weight loss improving body image, better glycemic control in diabetes, or direct neurobiological effects on the brain’s reward system may contribute.”
Separate Research on Pregnancy Risks
A distinct study reviewed Danish health registries covering 480,231 women and 756,636 pregnancies. Of these, 529 involved accidental early exposure to GLP-1 agonists liraglutide or semaglutide.
Exposure raises preterm birth risk—delivery before 37 weeks—when used for diabetes treatment, but not for weight management. Danish researchers conclude that underlying diabetes, rather than the medication, likely drives the risk.
