An observational study highlights the mental health risks associated with prescription weight-loss medications. Conducted at Asan Medical Center in South Korea, the study analyzed data from 27,741 adults.
Participants included 10,908 men and 16,833 women. Of these, 846 individuals had used prescription weight-loss medications in the past year, while 26,895 had not.
Increased Risks Among Users
The study found notable differences in mental health outcomes between users and non-users of weight-loss medications. Users were 1.9 times more likely to experience depression and twice as likely to seek mental health counseling. Additionally, they were 2.7 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts and 1.7 times more likely to attempt suicide.
The tendency for depression and suicide-related indicators to increase as weight rebounds after using weight-loss drugs may reflect not only the neuropsychiatric effects of the drugs themselves, but also a complex interplay of psychological and social factors associated with failed weight control.
This effect was stronger among those who gained or regained weight while on the medication.
Limitations of the Study
Bonnie Mitchell, a clinical counselor in California, notes that the study is observational and cross-sectional. It shows a correlation but cannot prove causation. The data, collected between 2013 and 2022, primarily represents older weight-loss drugs available in South Korea during that period, such as phentermine, diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, topiramate, and orlistat.
Concerns with Weight Regain
Mitchell pointed out that individuals who regained weight had 4.2 times higher odds of suicidal ideation. For those with severe obesity, the baseline rates of depression, anxiety, and body dysmorphia are higher. Stress from weight regain can exacerbate mental health issues.
More research is needed to understand whether the medications or related factors, like obesity or challenges in losing weight, contribute to these mental health symptoms.
Monitoring and Recommendations
The FDA’s labels on drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound highlight the need to monitor mood changes. Mitchell advises conducting a baseline mental health evaluation before prescribing these medications. Regular check-ins every 4 to 8 weeks during treatment can help assess both physiological and psychological progress.
Patients should contact healthcare providers immediately if experiencing new or worsening symptoms, such as persistent low mood, severe fatigue, loss of interest in activities, increased anxiety, sleep disturbance, or suicidal thoughts.
If a patient develops depression or suicidal ideation during treatment, weight-loss medication should be discontinued, and psychiatric support should be provided.
Pharmaceutical Companies’ Position
Eli Lilly, producer of the weight-loss drug Zepbound, advises monitoring mood changes. Their review of clinical trials did not find an increased risk for suicidal ideation or psychiatric effects. Novo Nordisk, maker of Wegovy, reports less than 1% of participants in their trials experienced suicidal thoughts.
For more insights, contact: Melissa Rudy, senior health editor at Fox News Digital.
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