- A new study suggests that popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which contain the active ingredient semaglutide, may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- An international team of researchers, using Swedish health registry data from over 95,000 patients, found GLP-1 receptor agonists were associated with a lower risk of worsening mental illness.
- Semaglutide was specifically linked to a 44 per cent decreased risk of worsening depression and a 38 per cent decreased risk of worsening anxiety, as well as a lower risk of substance abuse.
- Researchers noted that while the exact mechanisms are unclear, factors like weight loss, improved body image, better glycaemic control, or direct neurobiological changes could be involved.
- A separate Danish study found that exposure to GLP-1 receptor agonists was associated with an increased pre-term birth risk when used for diabetes treatment, but not for weight management, suggesting diabetes itself may be the causal factor.
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