Hormonal
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) used for weight management and obesity are associated with a significantly higher risk of psychiatric adverse events, including suicidal behavior, panic attacks, and depressive disorders, compared to their use in diabetes treatment.
If you are using a GLP-1 medication (like semaglutide or tirzepatide) for weight loss, be aware that reports of mood changes, including anxiety, panic, or suicidal thoughts, are higher in weight management users than in diabetes users. Discuss these risks with your doctor before starting. If you experience sudden mood changes, contact your provider immediately. This does not mean everyone will experience this, but it is a known signal to monitor.
Conversely, AEs related to GLP-1RA usage in weight control/obesity were associated with general nutritional disorders (ROR 3.08, 95% CI 2.70–3.51); panic attacks and disorders (ROR 4.63, 95% CI 3.28–6.54); sensory abnormalities (ROR 6.28, 95% CI 4.68–8.41); suicidal and self- injurious behavior (ROR 4.64, 95% CI 3.59–6.00); immune and associated conditions (ROR 3.13, 95% CI 2.10–4.66); eating disorders (ROR 2.53, 95% CI 2.07–3.09); and depressive disorders (ROR 2.79, 95% CI 2.24–3.46).
Why this rating
Based on retrospective pharmacovigilance (FAERS) using disproportionality analysis (ROR/PRR), which identifies signals but not definitive causality.
Source
Evaluating the Evolving Real‐World Adverse Events of <scp>GLP</scp> ‐ <scp>1RAs</scp> Using <scp>FDA</scp> Adverse Event Reporting System ( <scp>FAERS</scp> )
David Stone et al. · Obesity · 2026
DOI 10.1002/oby.70176
Related findings · Hormonal
- Initial treatment for type 2 diabetes should be a combination of metformin and either an SGLT-2 inhibitor or a GLP-1 receptor agonist to achieve cardiorenal protection, rather than monotherapy or older agents like sulfonylureas.Strong
- 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
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