Hormonal
Semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly does not increase the risk of developing symptoms of depression or suicidal ideation/behavior compared to placebo in people with overweight or obesity without known major psychopathology.
If you are considering semaglutide for weight loss and are worried about your mental health, know that large clinical trials show it does not increase the risk of depression or suicidal thoughts compared to a placebo. While you should still monitor your mood as recommended, the medication itself is not causing these psychiatric issues. This is particularly reassuring if you have no history of major mental health conditions.
The results of this post hoc analysis suggest that treatment with semaglutide, 2.4 mg, did not increase the risk of developing symptoms of depression or suicidal ideation/behavior vs placebo and was associated with a small but statistically significant reduction in depressive symptoms (not considered clinically meaningful).
Why this rating
Pooled analysis of multiple large, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trials (STEP 1, 2, 3, 5) with rigorous psychiatric assessments (PHQ-9, C-SSRS).
Source
Psychiatric Safety of Semaglutide for Weight Management in People Without Known Major Psychopathology
Thomas A. Wadden et al. · JAMA Internal Medicine · 2024
DOI 10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.4346
Related findings · Hormonal
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- For patients with specific monogenic obesity syndromes (leptin deficiency, POMC/PCSK1/LEPR mutations), targeted pharmacotherapy (recombinant leptin or setmelanotide) is highly effective and should be prioritized, unlike in polygenic obesity.Strong
- Continued weekly administration of 2.4 mg subcutaneous semaglutide prevents weight regain and promotes further weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity, whereas switching to placebo results in significant weight regain.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →