Weight loss injections can “support both the body and mind”, latest research has revealed.
A new study from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London has found that glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) can also improve mental health outcomes.
GLP1-RAs are a class of medications that mimic the effects of GLP-1 – a natural hormone released in the gut after eating. They are used to treat type 2 diabetes and can also help with weight loss in some cases.
This trial has shown that semaglutide and other GLP1-RAs do not trigger psychiatric adverse events or worsening symptoms of depression.
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Previous research has shown that people with obesity and/or type 2 diabetes are more likely to experience depression and poor mental health.
People with mental health complications are at greater risk of having poor blood sugar control, studies have revealed.
During the investigation, the team of academics looked at the mental health outcomes of 107,860 people affected by obesity and type 2 diabetes.
They discovered that people using GLP-1RAs saw greater improvements in mental health-related quality of life, emotional eating behaviours and restrained eating.
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Lead author Dr Toby Pillinger said: “Living with obesity and type 2 diabetes can take a significant toll on both physical and emotional wellbeing.
“Our analysis of data from a large number of clinical trials shows that GLP-1RAs are not only safe from a psychiatric perspective but may improve mental health outcomes.”
He added: “As the use of these medications continues to grow, our findings provide important reassurance to patients and clinicians alike that these treatments can support both body and mind.”
Read the study in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.
