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NDTV
22-04-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Popular Weight Loss Drugs May Pose Mental Health Risks, Says New Study
Popular weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by mimicking the hormone incretin. GLP-1 receptor agonists are commonly prescribed for type-2 diabetes. These popular weight loss drugs may contribute to some common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain and fatigue. Vision loss, thyroid tumours, kidney problems, gallbladder issues and pancreatitis are some of the concerning side effects users may face. A new study has highlighted the mental health risks associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists. The study published in Current Neuropharmacology uncovers links between GLP-1 agonists and genes associated with mood regulation, depression, and suicidal ideation. The study also highlights that GLP-1 agonists may benefit some individuals with hyperdopaminergic (excess dopamine activity), but they could be harmful to those with hypodopaminergic (low dopamine function). These drugs affect genes such as DRD3, BDNF, and CREB1, which play key roles in mood and reward pathways. "Chronic use may disrupt dopamine signaling and increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts," researchers highlight. "This study should not be ignored, despite the hype surrounding the positive clinical outcomes of GLP1 receptor agonists," said senior author Dr. Kenneth Blum of Western University Health Sciences and Ariel University. "The paper provides critical evidence for reevaluating 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," Dr. Mark S. Gold, an addiction psychiatry pioneer and co-author, emphasized. For the unversed, these drugs mimic GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced in the gut when you eat and plays a role in regulating blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. It interacts with GLP-1 receptors in the brain, particularly in areas controlling hunger and satiety. This helps reduce appetite and increases the feeling of fullness after eating. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
India Today
21-04-2025
- Health
- India Today
Weight-loss drugs linked to poor mental health in new study
A new study has linked mental health risks associated with a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, commonly prescribed for type 2 receptor agonists are medicines that help lower blood sugar. They work by mimicking a natural hormone in the body that controls blood sugar and appetite. These drugs slow down digestion, help the body release the right amount of insulin, and make people feel full for developed to manage blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, GLP-1 agonists have gained popularity for their weight-reducing effects. Several popular drugs, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, contain compounds like semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are part of the GLP-1 receptor agonist these drugs have shown weight-loss effects, the study suggests that they could affect certain genes linked to findings raise serious concerns about the safety of these medications for some people, especially those with specific genetic study involved 24 researchers from institutions in the United States, Brazil, Iran, and Israel, who examined individuals with hypodopaminergia, a condition characterised by reduced dopamine activity in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, motivation, and reward pharmacogenomic analysis, the researchers investigated the interaction between GLP-1 receptor agonists and genes associated with dopamine signalling, including DRD3, BDNF, and findings indicate that GLP-1 receptor agonists may disrupt dopamine balance in certain individuals, particularly those with already existing problems in dopamine systems. This disruption may increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal experts have warned that the mental health risks linked to these medications should not be ignored. Senior author Dr. Kenneth Blum stressed the need for careful prescribing. "We urge the clinical prescribing community to proceed with caution to avoid another tragic wave of 'people dying to lose weight,'"Co-author of the study Dr. Mark S. Gold added that health authorities like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) should consider updating the warning labels on these drugs to reflect the new European Medicines Agency has already initiated a review of the safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists, following a rise in reports of psychiatric side response, the study's authors recommend a more personalised approach to prescribing these medications. This could include genetic testing to help identify individuals who may be at greater these drugs remain effective for managing weight and blood sugar levels, the researchers highlighted the importance of regular mental health Watch
