Latest news with #GLP-1RAs
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Revealed: How Popular Weight Loss Drug May Lower Dementia and Stroke Risk
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new study suggests that popular diabetes and weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro may help protect against brain-related diseases such as dementia and stroke. Research followed 60,000 adults aged 40 and older for seven years, comparing patients taking GLP-1RAs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide (Ozempic and Mounjaro) to those on other antidiabetic drugs. The analysis revealed that those on GLP-1RAs had a significantly lower chance of developing neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases. However, no relevant difference was shown when it comes to intracerebral hemorrhage, or Parkinson's disease. According to the findings of the study—which analyzed electronic health records from the TriNetX US network, from December 1, 2017, to June 30, 2024—the people who benefited the most from these medications were those aged 60 or older, women, and those with a body mass index [BMI] of 30 to 40. A stock image shows a person holding Ozempic Insulin injection pens for diabetes/ weight loss. A stock image shows a person holding Ozempic Insulin injection pens for diabetes/ weight loss. getty images Of all Americans with diabetes, some 63 percent are also affected by obesity. Both diabetes type 2 and obesity are known to increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases due to chronic inflammation, insulin resistance and anti oxidative stress. The 2024 Lancer Commission on Dementia recognized diabetes and obesity as "modifiable risk factors," estimating the relative risk for dementia at 1.7 and 1.3 respectively. Although the findings from this study are promising, experts caution that more clinical trials are needed to confirm the neuroprotective effects of GLP-1RAs. Cognitive neuroscientist Coco Newton of the University of Cambridge, who was not involved in the present study, said: "This is a rigorous study and suggests important therapeutic effects of GLP-1RAs beyond glycemic control. However, the protective effects against dementia should be taken with caution. Three types of dementia outcomes were investigated – Alzheimer's, vascular, and 'other'. "Although there was an overall lower risk of dementia associated with GLP-1RAs, the sub-group analysis revealed that this was only the case for 'other' dementia, but not for Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia—the two most common forms of dementia. What constitutes 'other' dementia is unclear." She also added that the relatively short average follow-up of 1.7 years is far less than the time it takes to develop symptoms of dementia and access a diagnosis, and that a longer follow-up time should be investigated before making claims around dementia protection. Previous studies had found that GLP-1RAs may play a role in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, however, the Fred Hutch Cancer Center also warns that these medications may be associated with a higher incidence of thyroid cancer. Do you have a health story to share with Newsweek? Do you have a question about diabetes or obesity? Let us know via science@ Reference Lin, H.-T., Tsai, Y.-F., Liao, P.-L., & Wei, J. C.-C. (2025). Neurodegeneration and Stroke After Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in Patients With Diabetes and Obesity. JAMA Network Open, 8(7).
Business Wire
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Navitus Drug Trend Report: Keeping Costs Low for Plans and Members in an Era of Accelerating Inflation
MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Navitus, the nation's first transparent, pass-through pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), released its ninth annual Drug Trend Report today, revealing how commercial plan sponsors saved millions in prescription costs while maintaining high-quality member care. 30% of Navitus clients spent less in 2024 than in the previous year, while overall client book of business drug cost trend was managed to 7%. The data shows that medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are creating unprecedented financial pressure on plan sponsors as utilization for diabetes treatment increased 26% year-over-year. Overall health spending in the United States is nearly $4.9 trillion and projected to increase nearly 6% annually over the next decade. 1 A subset of this, prescription drug spending, was estimated to be $487 billion in 2024, an industry-wide 11.4% increase over the previous year, compared to 7% for Navitus clients. While the industry faces these escalating cost pressures, our latest Drug Trend Report highlights how Navitus continues to outperform industry trends and save clients money in this challenging environment, including companies such as Progressive Insurance. 'Navitus stands out for its commitment to transparency and managing to lowest net cost, which has significantly benefited Progressive and its members. From the outset, their 100% pass-through model has ensured that we receive the full value of manufacturer rebates and discounts, directly translating to reduced pharmacy costs,' said Heidi Minter, Data Analyst, Benefits & Design Services, Progressive Insurance. The Navitus Drug Trend Report revealed three critical trends influencing the broader industry: 1. 26% increase in GLP-1 RAs use for treatment of type 2 diabetes. While delivering significant clinical benefits, these medications are contributing substantially to pharmaceutical cost increases for benefit plans: Net trend in the diabetes category increased 8.5%, driven by growth in both the use of GLP-1 RAs, including Ozempic, Mounjaro and Trulicity, and a 16% increase in use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2s), including Farxiga and Jardiance. The prevalence and cost of GLP-1 RAs and SLGT-2s resulted in an overall unit cost increase of 3.0% for the diabetes category, in spite of the net cost decrease of more than 28% for insulin in 2024. 2. Biosimilars delivered $315 million in savings with a 60% reduction in Humira costs. Targeted immunomodulators (TIMs) treat a wide range of autoimmune disorders, from rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis to inflammatory bowel diseases. The launch of Humira biosimilar alternatives in 2023 significantly changed the landscape of the category as these clinically-equivalent, much lower cost options were added to formulary. After adding biosimilars to formulary, Navitus took a decisive step to lower costs further by removing Humira from formulary in June 2024. This led to key results including: Over $315 million in upfront cost savings. 60% reduction in net costs per claim. 3. Specialty medication utilization increased 12%. Approximately 75% of new drug approvals have been for specialty or medical specialty agents, and that trend is expected to continue in the next two years. Key factors included: Oncology net trend increased more than 13%, driven by both higher utilization and unit cost: Utilization of newer breast cancer treatments (Kisqali, Verzenio) increased 20%, driving overall cost. In specialty dermatology, Dupixent (dupilumab) emerged as the most rapidly growing drug of 2024. The category saw a net trend increase of more than 45% and Dupixent represented 96% of category cost and utilization. While increased use of newer, more expensive agents like Kesimpta created upward pressure within the multiple sclerosis category, generics represented more than 50% of prescriptions filled at 10% of the cost. Expand 'Our annual Drug Trend Report confirms we were able to control year-over-year costs for commercial clients - both large and small - and deliver savings greater than the estimated industry averages,' said Sharon Faust, PharmD, MBA, CSP, Chief Pharmacy Officer, Navitus Health Solutions. 'Deploying generic-first strategies, facilitating adoption of new biosimilars, ensuring 100% pass-through of negotiated rebates and discounts, and supporting clinically appropriate prescribing, utilization and formulary management remain core to our focus.' Access the Navitus Drug Trend Report executive summary here: Methodology: The Navitus drug trend is calculated by comparing the net total cost per-member per-month (PMPM) for 2024 to that for 2023. Net cost PMPM represents full-year (Q1-Q4) data for total member copays and plan paid amounts minus manufacturer rebates and fees. This value is divided by the total number of members and by 12 months of the year. The data represents employer plan sponsors and health plans. In order to be included organizations must have been with Navitus for two full calendar years. * Due to varying coverage decisions by clients, GLP-1s for weight loss were not included in the Drug Trend Report, yet they still warrant thoughtful consideration and conversation in the overall picture of trend and future decisions. The DTR only represents prescriptions under the pharmacy benefit. 40% of Rx spend is through the medical benefit and warrants careful consideration by plans. Sources: About Navitus Navitus remains the nation's first transparent, pass-through pharmacy benefit manager (PBM). It uniquely brings clarity to drug pricing and takes costs out of the drug supply chain. Unlike traditional PBMs that generate profit by retaining an undisclosed portion of rebates and discounts negotiated with drug manufacturers and pharmacies, Navitus passes along the complete savings to clients, enabling them to make medication more affordable for their members. Navitus was established more than 20 years ago by Navitus Health Solutions, LLC, a pioneering pharmacy solutions company. The organization delivers a range of services through portfolio brands including Navitus, Lumicera, Archimedes. Owned by SSM Health and Costco, Navitus Health Solutions serves over 18 million lives across 800 clients including employers, unions, government plans, payors and health systems. For more information, please visit
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MHRA warns women using weight loss jabs must use effective contraception
The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned that women using weight loss jabs must use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy while on the medication. The regulator says there is not enough safety data to say whether popular glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) medicines such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (semaglutide) and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro (tirzepatide) do not harm the developing foetus. The MHRA said it has received 40 reports relating to pregnancy among women taking the jabs via the Yellow Card scheme. This scheme is the MHRA's framework for collecting and monitoring suspected safety concerns of medicines. It also warned that Mounjaro specifically could reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, such as the birth control pill, in those who are overweight. This is because Mounjaro can slow or impair the absorption of oral medications via its affects on gastric emptying, along with side effects of vomiting. Women taking Mounjaro are therefore recommended to also use a non-oral form of contraception, such as condoms and intra-uterine devices (IUDs). The MHRA said this is especially important in the first month after starting the weight loss jab and after any dose increase. Patient leaflets for Wegovy and Mounjaro both highlight pregnancy as a reason to not use the drugs. Women seeking to become pregnant are recommended to stop taking the medications at least two months in advance. The GLP-1RAs are also not licensed to be taken during breastfeeding. The drug leaflets also contain information on contraception usage. The MHRA alert comes as the usage of Wegovy and Mounjaro soar, with fears that patients are not receiving the information, especially those who obtain them through unregulated channels. Global sales for Wegovy reached around $8bn in 2024, while Mounjaro generated $11.5bn. While most patients have prescriptions from a doctor to collect the jabs from a legitimate pharmacy, some have gone to unregulated sellers to acquire the medication. This is because on the UK National Health Service (NHS), GLP-1RAs are only available to people with a body mass index (BMI) above 30 kg/m2 or those with high BMI and accompanying weight-related comorbidities. Unregulated sellers have much lower requirements, meaning patients can sometimes gain access to the medication without seeing a doctor in-person. Those who buy medication in this way are often not fully informed about safety information. In its alert, the MHRA took the opportunity to remind patients that these medicines should not be bought from this category of sellers, which include beauty salons and social media vendors. Over in the US, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been cracking down on online retailers selling unapproved GLP-1RA products. The UK's National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has previously called for tougher rules on GLP-1RAs, explaining that it was aware of patients whose body weight was already low being wrongly prescribed the drugs. The association said that a two-way consultation is needed, rather than filling out online forms. Dr Alison Cave, the MHRA's chief safety officer, said: 'Skinny jabs are medicines licensed to treat specific medical conditions and should not be used as aesthetic or cosmetic treatments. They are not a quick fix to lose weight and have not been assessed to be safe when used in this way.' "MHRA warns women using weight loss jabs must use effective contraception" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly Lead, but New Entrants Eye GLP-1RA Market Opportunities
Explore the GLP-1R agonists market, uncovering new opportunities for repurposing beyond type 2 diabetes and obesity. Discover insights on unmet needs, pipeline analysis, and competitive landscapes, highlighting major players like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and potential new entrants. Dublin, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "GLP-1R Agonists - Label Extensions/Drug Repurposing: Market Overview" report has been added to report is a market overview of GLP-1R agonists, focusing on their potential repurposing and label expansions in diseases outside type 2 diabetes and potential of GLP-1RAs is based on their insulin sensitization and anti-inflammatory are being investigated in different diseases in the metabolic, neurologic, and cardiologic Nordisk and Eli Lilly are currently the major players in the GLP-1RA space, but opportunity remains for new Scope Overview of GLP-1R agonists, including marketed GLP-1RAs and diseases under investigation. Analysis of unmet needs, challenges and opportunities in GLP-1RAs repurposing. Pipeline analysis and opportunity assessment of GLP-1RAs in different therapeutic areas. Overview of current major players in the GLP-1RAs space and potential future players. GLP-1RAs global market outlook and deals overview. Reasons to Buy Develop and design your in-licensing and out-licensing strategies through a review of pipeline products and technologies, and by identifying the companies with the most robust pipeline. Develop business strategies by understanding the trends shaping and driving the GLP-1RAs therapeutics market. Drive revenues by understanding the key trends, innovative products and technologies, market segments, and companies likely to impact the GLP-1RAs therapeutics market in the future. Identify the major challenges and opportunities in the GLP-1RA space and the potential of this therapeutic class in multiple indications. Formulate effective sales and marketing strategies by understanding the competitive landscape and by analyzing the performance of various competitors. Identify emerging players with potentially strong product portfolios and create effective counterstrategies to gain a competitive advantage. Organize your sales and marketing efforts by identifying the market categories and segments that present maximum opportunities for consolidations, investments, and strategic partnerships. Key Topics Covered: 1 Preface 2 Executive Summary3 GLP-1R Agonists Overview3.1 What Are GLP-1R Agonists3.2 GLP-1R in the Body3.3 History of GLP-1R Agonists4 Industry Trends4.1 Oral GLP-1Ras4.2 Lower Dosing Frequency4.3 Combination and Dual/Triple Agonists4.4 Repurposing GLP-1Ras5 Marketed Products5.1 Global GLP-1RA Marketed Landscape5.2 Marketed GLP-1Ras5.3 Challenges and Opportunities in GLP-1RA Repurposing5.4 Key Opinion Leader Perspectives on GLP-1RA Unmet Needs6 Pricing and Reimbursement Assessment Case Study: Ozempic7 Pipeline Analysis7.1 Top 20 Indications with GLP-1RAs in Development7.2 Top Five Therapeutic Areas with the Most GLP-1RA Pipeline Assets7.3 GLP-1RA Pipeline Candidates7.4 Where Are GLP-1RAs Expected to Position in the Future Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment Landscape?7.5 Where Are GLP-1RAs Expected to Position in the Future Heart Failure Treatment Landscape?7.6 Key Opinion Leader Perspectives on GLP-1RAs in the Treatment for Heart Failure and Chronic Kidney Disease7.7 GLP-1RA Opportunities Beyond Planned Label Expansions7.8 Key Opinion Leader Perspectives on GLP-1RAs in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome8 Opportunities and Challenges8.1 Opportunities: the Role of GLP-1RAs in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis8.2 Opportunities: GLP-1RAs in Liver Diseases8.3 Key Opinion Leader Perspectives on GLP-1RAs in the Treatment of Liver Diseases8.4 Opportunities: the Role of GLP-1RAs in Neurodegenerative Diseases8.5 Opportunities: GLP-1RAs in Central Nervous System Disorders8.6 Key Opinion Leader Perspectives on GLP-1RAs in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease8.7 Opportunities: the Role of GLP-1RAs in Diastolic Heart Failure and Stroke8.8 Opportunities: GLP-1RAs in Cardiovascular Diseases8.9 Opportunities: the Role of GLP-1RAs in Chronic Kidney Disease8.10 Opportunities: GLP-1RAs in Other Diseases9 Companies9.1 Current Major Player: Novo Nordisk9.2 Current Major Player: Eli Lilly9.3 Potential Future Players9.4 Key Opinion Leader Perspectives on Future Players in the GLP-1RA Space10 Market Outlook and Deals10.1 GLP-1RA Global Market10.2 Top 20 Major Deals and Acquisitions Between 2022 and 2025 with GLP-1RasCompany Coverage Includes: Novo Nordisk AS Eli Lilly and Co Shanghai Minwei Biotechnology Co Ltd Metsera Inc Sihuan Pharmaceutical Holdings Group Ltd Hanmi Pharmaceuticals Co Ltd Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co Ltd AstraZeneca Plc PegBio Co Ltd Beijing QL Biopharmaceutical Co Ltd Sciwind Biosciences Co Ltd U.S. National Institutes of Health Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH i2O Therapeutics Inc Zhejiang Doer Biologics Corp CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd Peptron Inc Carmot Therapeutics Inc Amogen Pharma Pvt Ltd BioLingus AG The United Laboratories International Holdings Ltd Tonghua Dongbao Pharmaceutical Co Ltd Annovis Bio Inc ImmunoForge Co Ltd Biogenomics Ltd China Pharmaceutical University Zhejiang Heze Pharmaceutical Technology Co Ltd Zhuhai United Laboratories Co Ltd Hangzhou Jiuyuan Gene Engineering Co Ltd Structure Therapeutics Inc Altimmune Inc Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd Gmax Biopharm LLC Guangzhou Dazhou Biomedical Technology Co Ltd Hangzhou Zhongmei Huadong Pharmaceutical Co Ltd Huadong Medicine Co Ltd Innovent Biologics Inc Merck & Co Inc Neuraly Inc Onegene Biotechnology Inc Protheragen Inc RenaissThera Pvt Ltd Sekkei Inc Uni-Bio Science Group Ltd HEC Pharma Co Ltd Jiangsu Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd Cascade Pharmaceuticals Inc D&D Pharmatech Co Ltd Huons Global Co Ltd Immunwork Inc Leto Laboratories Co Ltd MetaVia Inc Pfizer Inc Qilu Regor Therapeutics Inc Sanofi Xintrum Pharmaceuticals Ltd Gan & Lee Pharmaceuticals Co Ltd Adocia SAS AnyGen Co Ltd Ascendis Pharma AS AULBIO Co Ltd BrightGene Bio-Medical Technology Co Ltd Camurus AB HK inno.N Corp Hybio Pharmaceutical Co Ltd IGC Pharma Inc Lancaster University Laxxon Medical GmbH Poolbeg Pharma Plc ProGen Co Ltd Septerna Inc Shanghai Innogen Pharmaceutical Technology Co Ltd Shenzhen Salubris Pharmaceuticals Co Ltd Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd Suzhou Wingtech Pharmaceutical Technology Co Ltd Theertha Biopharma Pvt Ltd Verdiva Bio Ltd Vivani Medical Inc Yunovia Co Ltd Adare Pharma Solutions Amgen Inc Apeloa Pharmaceutical Co Ltd ApicHope Pharmaceutical Co Ltd Arecor Therapeutics Plc Biolexis Therapeutics Inc Biomea Fusion Inc Biomed Industries Inc BioNxt Solutions Inc California Institute for Biomedical Research China Medical System Holdings Ltd Chongqing Chenan BioPharm Co Ltd CinFina Pharma LLC Crinetics Pharmaceuticals Inc CSPC Zhongqi Pharmaceutical Technology (Shijiazhuang) Co Ltd Daewoong Therapeutics Inc Diabetology (Products) Ltd Dx&Vx Efil Bioscience Inc Entera Bio Ltd Gilead Sciences Inc Guangzhou BeBetter Medicine Technology Co Ltd HangZhou HuiSheng Biotech Pharmaceutical Co Ltd Hepagene Therapeutics Inc HighField Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. Hua Medicine Shanghai Ltd INVENT Pharmaceuticals Inc Inventage Lab Inc iX Biopharma Ltd Jiangsu Normal University Jiangsu Sinopep Allsino Biopharmaceutical Co Ltd Livzon Pharmaceutical Group Inc MeiraGTx Holdings Plc MindRank Ltd Niedlfree Technologies Pvt Ltd OPKO Health Inc Remedium Bio Inc Scohia Pharma Inc Shandong New Era Pharmaceutical Co Ltd SN BioScience Co Ltd Tharimmune Inc Viking Therapeutics Inc vTv Therapeutics Inc Youngene Therapeutics Co Ltd Zealand Pharma AS 4Moving Biotech Abaxys Therapeutics SA Aerami Therapeutics Holdings Inc AI Proteins Inc Akrikhin Alphamab Oncology Aprilbio Co Ltd Ascletis Pharma Inc Beijing Eastern Biotech Co Ltd Beijing SL Pharmaceutical Co Ltd Biora Therapeutics Inc Bostal Drug Delivery Co Ltd Bristol-Myers Squibb Co Chengdu Brilliant Pharmaceutical Co Ltd China Resources Double-Crane Pharmaceutical Co Ltd Closed Loop Medicine Ltd Coya Therapeutics Inc Delpor Inc Duke University Enteris BioPharma Inc G2GBIO Inc GlyTech Inc Gubra ApS Halo Therapeutics Ltd HEC Pharm Group Hualan Biological Engineering Inc Iconovo AB Icure Pharmaceutical Inc Imagine Pharma LLC Immupharma Plc Imperial College London Innopharmax Inc Jiangsu Wanbang Biochemical Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd Kailera Therapeutics Inc Kariya Pharmaceuticals IVS Kunming Yinnuo Medical Technology Co. Ltd. Lanzhou Institute of Biological Products Co Ltd Lepu Medical Technology (Beijing) Co Ltd Mapi Pharma Ltd MBX Biosciences Inc Metaphore Biotechnologies Inc Nanexa AB National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering NutriBand Inc Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc Original BioMedicals Co Ltd Pep2Tango Therapeutics Inc ProLynx LLC Qilu Pharmaceutical Co Ltd QuiaPEG Pharmaceuticals AB Rani Therapeutics LLC Rivus Pharmaceuticals Inc Rose Pharma Inc R-Pharm Sail Biomedicines Inc Shandong Boan Biotechnology Co Ltd Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co Ltd Sino Biopharmaceutical Ltd Syracuse University Terns Pharmaceuticals Inc Terry Suzhou Pharmaceutical Co Ltd The University of Adelaide Twist Bioscience Corp University of Padova University of Ulster Vanderbilt University Virtici LLC Wuxi Hebang Biotechnology Co Ltd Yichang Humanwell Pharmaceutical Co Ltd Yonsei University College of Medicine Zhejiang HuaYang Pharmaceutical Co Ltd Zhongshan Wanhan Pharmaceutical Co Ltd For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
New York Post
17-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Weight loss, diabetes drugs can cause mood changes: What to know about behavioral side effects
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), medications that help control type 2 diabetes and obesity, can have a profound impact on physical wellness – but what about mental health? Some examples of these medications include semaglutides, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, and liraglutide, like Victoza and Saxenda. Advertisement Various studies have pointed toward GLP-1 RAs causing mental health complications, such as anxiety and depression. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) published research in June 2024 that considered the correlation between semaglutide therapy and 'exacerbating mood disturbances.' The study highlighted the association of negative mood changes in patients with type 2 diabetes with a history of depression, warning healthcare providers to be aware of this 'potential risk.' But a more recent study, published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, suggested that these mood changes were linked to genetic variations across diverse populations and ancestries within the U.K. Biobank. Advertisement While GLP-1 RA variants had 'consistent cardiometabolic effects' across all groups, the researchers said the negative impacts on mental health were 'more varied,' concluding that any behavioral changes are 'likely not acting directly through [the medications].' 5 Nazario noted that GLP-1 RAs can affect mood in many different ways. tmc_photos – Doctors weigh in on medications and mood Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon who often prescribes GLP-1 RAs to his patients, believes that there is 'no consistent causal relationship' between these medications and mental illness. 'Researchers assayed genetic markers across almost half a million people from different backgrounds in search of a link between the gene behind GLP-1 receptors and mental health problems like depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation — and they didn't find it,' he summarized. Advertisement People who are obese or battling type 2 diabetes are 'often already depressed' without the medication, the doctor pointed out. 5 Various studies have pointed toward GLP-1 RAs causing mental health complications, such as anxiety and depression. nazif – 'These conditions take a toll – physically, emotionally and socially,' he said. 'So, yes, a large portion of patients starting GLP-1 drugs are already dealing with mental health struggles. But that's not because of the drug — that's because of the disease.' Once these individuals begin dropping weight, blood sugar stabilizes and energy improves, which usually lifts their mood as well. Advertisement 'GLP-1 drugs help people reclaim their health,' Osborn noted. 'They reduce inflammation. They lower blood sugar. They shrink waistlines.' 5 People who are obese or battling type 2 diabetes are 'often already depressed' without the medication, the doctor pointed out. K KStock – 'And when people look and feel better, when their bodies finally start working for them instead of against them, they often smile more, not less.' Dr. Muhammad Ghanem, a bariatric surgeon at Orlando Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute, shared in a separate interview with Fox News Digital that while some of his patients have reported mood changes, others 'don't have that at all.' 'Depression or mood changes are very common regardless, especially nowadays, and so it's hard to [determine] whether this is related to the GLP-1 agonist medications, or whether it just happens to be that they started suffering from these after they started that medication,' he said. 'It's really hard to tell whether it's a personality change that can happen because of weight loss or if it's a side effect because of mood changes,' he added. 'I don't think we have enough data to reach that conclusion yet.' Patients who lose weight with GLP-1 RAs can experience a 'big boost' in confidence, as well as a change in personality and even relationships, according to Ghanem. 5 Once these individuals begin dropping weight, blood sugar stabilizes and energy improves, which usually lifts their mood as well. Tinnakorn – Advertisement 'It really depends on the person and the support system they have,' he said. 'You need proper, randomized controlled trials to reach a conclusion, and better studies to determine whether this is related to the medication itself or just weight loss.' 'It's important for all doctors who prescribe these drugs to be aware and check the patient's history.' For those who are interested in these medications or are experiencing mood changes while taking them, the surgeon stressed the importance of keeping in close contact with medical providers. 'Just like any other medication, they can have potential side effects,' he said. Advertisement Ghanem recommended seeking out professionals and practices who take a 'holistic approach' to weight loss, offering mental health support in addition to medication. 5 For those who are interested in these medications or are experiencing mood changes while taking them, the surgeon stressed the importance of keeping in close contact with medical providers. alones – Dr. Brunilda Nazario, MD, chief physician editor of medical affairs at WebMD, told Fox News Digital that 'obesity is complicated.' 'Obesity specialists … are cautiously excited about how well these drugs work,' she said. Advertisement 'With current studies showing conflicting results on mood disorders and the use of GLP-1 drugs, it's important for all doctors who prescribe these drugs to be aware and check the patient's history before prescribing [them].' Nazario stressed that it's 'vital' for GLP-1 RA users to listen to their bodies, urging them to pay attention to their feelings and know the symptoms of mood disorders. 'Don't be afraid to ask for help if you feel something is not right — your health depends on it,' he added. Advertisement Nazario noted that GLP-1 RAs can affect mood in many different ways. 'They are not all negative — they have the potential to improve mood as well,' she said. 'Just seeing great results can boost self-esteem, confidence and body image.'
