Psychological Effects of Weight-Loss Drugs Underexplored

What to know about the weight–mood connection, and why experts are concerned about the lack of research on the effect of weight-loss drugs on mood disorders.

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While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave a tentative green light to popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, some still claim that the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drugs are responsible for poor mental health outcomes.

Despite the drugs’ spike in use by millions who want to shed pounds, questions linger about their impact on mental health and possible links to depression and suicidal behavior that experts argue remain underexplored.

The Ozempic–Suicide Link

Contradicting anecdotal claims, a major study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found no link between semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, and suicidal thoughts.