Scientists discover worrying link between Ozempic-like drugs and mental health

A new study has discovered a worrying link between 'Ozempic-like medications' and a deterioration in mental health in certain patients.

Ozempic, a drug designed to treat type 2 diabetes, has made quite a name for itself due to its appetite-suppressing characteristics that are favored by a whole host of celebrities.

But it is not approved by the FDA as a weight loss drug, and it can come with some pretty unexpected side effects.

However, there are other similar, legal drugs signed off for weight loss, including Semaglutide (Wegovy), Tirzepatide (Zepbound) and Liraglutide (Saxenda).

All these medications contain what's called Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.

These work by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and appetite. This then helps to slow digestion, keeping users fuller for longer and thus promoting them to eat less and shed the pounds.

However, GLP-1 receptor agonists could induce depression and other difficult mental health symptoms in some genetically predisposed patients, a new study has warned.

An international team of 24 researchers used advanced computer technology to study how different people’s genes might react to GLP-1 agonists.

It raised 'significant concerns' that the medication may not be suitable for some people.

The study - led by researchers across the United States, Brazil, Iran and Israel - showed that GLP-1 agonists could benefit individuals with excess dopamine activity, known as hyperdopaminergia.

However, the same drug may have harmful effects on people with low dopamine function - known as hypodopaminergia.

The study, In Silico Pharmacogenomic Assessment of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP1) Agonists and Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS) Related Pathways: Implications for Suicide Ideation and Substance Use Disorder, found that long-term use of GLP-1 agonists could affect genes which regulate the brain's reward and mood system, particularly DRD3, BDNF and CREB1.

People are misusing Ozempic as a weight loss drug (Olha Danylenko/Getty Images)

This could lead to 'depressive symptoms, mood disturbances' and even 'suicidal ideation.'

Senior author Dr Kenneth Blum, Research Professor at Western University Health Sciences and Ariel University, said the study 'should not be ignored', adding: "We urge the clinical prescribing community to proceed with caution to avoid another tragic wave of 'people dying to lose weight'.”

Professor Igor Elman of Harvard University explained: “While GLP1 receptor agonists hold promise for treating addictive and behavioral disorders, we must remain vigilant about their potential harm.

"This study is not intended to break the bubble of hope but to add a layer of precaution in their over-prescription.”

Already, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has initiated a review of GLP-1 agonists following reports of suicidal thoughts in patients.

So could this study change the way drugs like Ozempic are prescribed in the future? Perhaps testing would need to be done before a person can be prescribed the medication.

But there will always be people attempting to get the drug off-label - which is even more dangerous in light of this study.

GLP1 agonists could cause depression and suicidal ideation in some patients, the study found (Rafa Elias/Getty Images)

Co-author Dr Mark S. Gold said: "The paper provides critical evidence for re-evaluating the widespread use of GLP1 receptor agonists.

"The FDA and other regulatory agencies should carefully consider our findings when it comes to labeling and monitoring these drugs."

When approached by LADbible Group, a Novo Nordisk spokesperson said in response: "Patient safety is our top priority and we will continue to monitor reports of adverse drug reactions, including suicide and suicidal ideation, through routine pharmacovigilance.

"Independent research and preliminary findings from the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), as well as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and conclusions from a European Medicines Agency (EMA) analysis did not find an association between use of GLP-1RA medicines and the occurrence of increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. These findings align with data collected from our comprehensive clinical trials, including large-scale outcomes trials and observational studies.

"We welcome independent research investigating the safety, efficacy, and clinical utility of our products. We will continue to collaborate closely with the MHRA and other regulatory bodies on any analysis related to the safety of all our GLP-1RA medicines. We stand behind the safety of all of our medicines when they are used as indicated and when taken under the care of a licensed healthcare professional. The known risks associated with use of these medicines are reflected in their current approved product labelling.

"We recommend that any patients experiencing side effects while taking Novo Nordisk GLP receptor agonists report them to their healthcare provider and via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/. Adverse events should also be reported to Novo Nordisk via the Customer Care Centre by calling 0800 023 2573."