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For the thousands and thousands of people that take Ozempic and Wegovy, weight reduction is the best-known consequence — however a brand new research suggests the medications could additionally assist squash despair.
Investigators from Epic Research, a well being analytics agency primarily based in Verona, Wisconsin, discovered that sufferers with diabetes who had been prescribed glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) medications had been much less prone to develop despair in comparison with people who find themselves not taking the medicine.
GLP-1 medications embody semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), dulaglutide (Trulicity) and exenatide (Byetta and Bydureon).
“The likelihood of anxiety in diabetic patients is lower for those on all five GLP-1 medications studied,” the researchers wrote in a launch on Epic’s web site.
For these with out diabetes, semaglutide was linked to a decrease chance of despair and anxiety, whereas liraglutide didn’t present any statistically important profit.
Weight loss is the best-known perk of Ozempic and Wegovy, however a brand new research suggests the medications could additionally assist to reduce despair. (iStock)
The research analyzed the GLP-1 medications and psychological well being diagnoses of three,081,254 diabetic sufferers and 929,174 non-diabetic sufferers.
Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and founding father of the longevity firm Senolytix, was not shocked to listen to of the Epic Research research findings.
“Ozempic’s potential antidepressive effects are garnering interest, both from the scientific community and those seeking holistic ways to manage their mental health alongside physical conditions,” he informed Fox News Digital.
Weight loss usually results in a lift in temper and total outlook in Osborn’s sufferers, he famous.
GLP-1 medications embody semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), dulaglutide (Trulicity) and exenatide (Byetta and Bydureon). (Getty Images)
“Losing weight can significantly impact an individual’s self-esteem and overall mood, leading to a more positive outlook on life,” the physician mentioned.
“The confidence boost that comes with achieving weight loss goals can be transformative, reducing feelings of depression and enhancing mental well-being.”
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Dr. Jennifer Bourgeois, PharmD, a Dallas-based pharmacy and well being knowledgeable with SingleCare, a prescription low cost service, mentioned none of the firms that produce GLP-1 medications studied the impact on despair in the unique scientific trials.
“At this time, none of the GLP-1 medications used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes or in chronic weight management claim to curb depression and anxiety,” she informed Fox News Digital.
That doesn’t imply it’s not potential, nevertheless, the knowledgeable mentioned.
Physical and psychological mood-lifters
In earlier analysis, Ozempic and different GLP-1 medicine had been proven to have antidepressant-like results in diabetic mice with sort 2 diabetes, suggesting that the medicine have direct results on mind chemistry and connectivity, Osborn mentioned.
“It is thought that this results from GLP-1’s influence on the release of neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and serotonin, in a deep brain region known as the hypothalamus,” Osborn mentioned.
Weight loss usually leads folks to undertake more healthy way of life habits, reminiscent of common train and improved dietary decisions, an knowledgeable identified. (iStock)
GLP-1 medicine additionally modify the launch of dopamine in the amygdala, the “emotional center” of the mind, Osborn mentioned, which is concerned in temper regulation.
While Bourgeois agrees that these medications could influence temper by way of mind adjustments, she mentioned the likelier cause for the diminished despair and anxiety is the constructive psychological and bodily well being results of weight reduction.
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Weight loss induced by GLP-1 medications triggers organic adjustments that positively influence temper regulation, Bourgeois mentioned.
“As excess adipose tissue (body fat) decreases, the production of inflammatory cytokines reduces, leading to a decrease in systemic inflammation,” she mentioned.
“Research suggests that chronic inflammation may disrupt neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine as well as the balance of gut bacteria, potentially leading to mood imbalances.”
A pharmacist holds bins of Eli Lilly & Co. Mounjaro model tirzepatide medicine at a pharmacy in Provo, Utah, on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. (Getty Images)
The increase to vanity and physique picture may also curb despair and anxiety, Bourgeois famous, resulting in an total extra constructive outlook.
“Individuals who achieve weight loss through GLP-1 receptor agonists may experience a sense of accomplishment and empowerment, which can positively influence their mental health,” she mentioned.
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There may additionally be a “trickle-down” impact, with weight reduction usually main folks to undertake more healthy way of life habits — reminiscent of common train and improved dietary decisions, the knowledgeable identified.
“These lifestyle changes can have profound effects on mental health,” she mentioned.
The increase to vanity and physique picture that comes with weight reduction may also curb despair and anxiety, consultants say. (iStock)
“Physical activity is known to stimulate the release of endorphins, which promote feelings of happiness and euphoria, and a nutrient-rich diet can provide essential vitamins and minerals that support brain function and mood regulation.”
More analysis wanted
While the Epic knowledge is “promising,” mentioned Bourgeois, “more research is needed to determine if the medication itself is responsible for the reduction in depression and anxiety diagnoses.”
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“Other factors like physical activity, diet and sleep were not controlled and could be contributing to the mood-altering effects.”
Osborn added, “I’m not saying that Ozempic will become a first-line treatment for depression, but it certainly highlights the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.”
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