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How does Wegovy affect mental health?
Medically reviewed by
Daniel Atkinson, Clinical Reviewer
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Last updated on Nov 21, 2024.
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Summary:
- No definite link has been found between Wegovy and poor mental health, but there have been occasional reports of depression among users.
- Wegovy may improve mental health by reducing brain inflammation, which can contribute to depression.
- Losing weight with Wegovy can boost self-esteem, increase energy levels, and improve sleep, all contributing to better mental well-being.
- Pairing Wegovy with healthy lifestyle changes can enhance the positive effects on mental well-being.
What’s the link between weight and mental health?
The connection between weight and mental health is complex and deeply associated with societal standards. When thinness is associated with beauty, living with obesity can take a toll on your mental health. Researchers found individuals living with obesity are significantly more likely to experience depression by around 18% to 55%. The stigmas surrounding obesity can lead to discrimination and negative self-perception, which can lead to low-self esteem and confidence.
While you don’t need to lose weight to become happier, if obesity is a source of your distress, losing weight might help.
Can taking Wegovy worsen your mental health?
In most cases, no. While there have been a few reports of depression and suicidal thoughts among people using Wegovy, as of now, the FDA hasn’t found conclusive evidence that weight loss injections were the cause. Clinical trials also found no link between semaglutide and suicidal ideations, with results showing that fewer than 1% of participants had suicidal thoughts, and less than 2.8% experienced depression.
But we can’t completely rule out the possibility of it causing psychiatric disorders. If you notice mood changes, depression or suicidal thoughts while on Wegovy, let your doctor know so they can monitor your health during treatment.
The positive impact of Wegovy on mental health
There are several benefits of using GLP-1 receptor agonists beyond weight loss, including improved glycemic control and cardiovascular health, regulated blood sugar levels, decreased risk of several cancers, and so on.
Another benefit is the positive impact it can have on mental health, with some researchers even considering it to have antidepressant properties. But how does it achieve this effect?
Neuroinflammation (inflammation in the brain) is a key factor in depression, disrupting the function of dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline, which can lead to mood changes, anxiety and depression. The anti-inflammatory properties of GLP-1RAs may reduce neuroinflammation and regulate cytokine (small proteins that can influence immune responses) levels in the brain, potentially improving cognitive function and overall mood.
Other ways it may can have a positive effect on your mental health include:
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Improved self esteem
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Improved overall well-being
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Improved diet
As you lose weight you might start feeling more confident. A survey done by Treated found 97% of our users felt more confident after losing more than 10% of their body weight. So it’s not just about feeling healthier physically, but emotionally too. Losing weight can help improve your overall mood and boost your self-esteem.
Losing weight can enhance your overall well-being in several ways. For instance, you may notice higher energy levels due to improved blood sugar control, better quality sleep as symptoms of sleep apnea reduce, and increased mobility thanks to reduced pressure on your joints, especially your knees. These physical improvements can also contribute to reduced stress, promoting both mental and emotional well-being.
Wegovy helps regulate appetite control, making it easier to develop healthier eating habits. It’s often recommended that you follow a diet rich in greens, fruits, and low-fat options while using the injections.
The saying ‘you are what you eat’ holds true. Your brain and gut are in constant communication with each other, in what’s known as the gut-brain axis. Depending on what you eat, this connection can either strengthen your brain or weaken it. A diet high in fat, sugar and ultra-processed foods can disturb your microbiota, leading to inflammation and poor mental health. Instead, focus on brain-healthy foods like nuts, salmon, leafy greens, turmeric and olive oil which can enhance your mental well-being.
Can you take Wegovy alongside mental health medication?
While there aren’t specific interactions outlined between semaglutide and antidepressants, there are some things to consider before taking them together.
Some antidepressants like fluoxetine and paroxetine can lower your blood sugar levels and taking them alongside Wegovy can increase your risk of hypoglycemia. If you experience symptoms like shaking, sweating, dizziness or a fast heartbeat, eat or drink something that contains high amounts of sugar, like juice, and contact the A&E department immediately.
Recent research has also found that semaglutide may increase serotonin levels, so taking it with SSRIs can lead to high levels of serotonin, potentially leading to serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include restlessness, abnormal eye movements, fast heartbeat, hallucinations, nausea, vomiting and changes in blood pressure. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
Is Wegovy right for you?
Wegovy is an effective weight loss medication, but just like any other medicine, there’s a risk of experiencing side effects while using them, including psychiatric disorders.
If you have or had a history of depression, suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, let your clinician know. They’ll closely monitor your health throughout the treatment or might recommend an alternative medication if necessary.
Reference Popover #ref1
Treated trusted source
Segal, Y. and Sasidhar Gunturu (2024).
Psychological Issues Associated With Obesity. [online] Nih.gov.
Reference Popover #ref2
Treated trusted source
Center (2024).
FDA Drug Safety Podcast on the use of GLP-1 RAs. [online] U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Reference Popover #ref3
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Wadden, T.A., Brown, G.K., Egebjerg, C., Frenkel, O., Goldman, B., Kushner, R.F., McGowan, B., Overvad, M. and Anders Fink-Jensen (2024).
Psychiatric Safety of Semaglutide for Weight Management in People Without Known Major Psychopathology. JAMA Internal Medicine.
Reference Popover #ref4
Treated trusted source
Durell, N., Franks, R., Coon, S., Cowart, K., & Carris, N. W. (2022).
Effect of Antidepressants on Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist-Related Weight Loss. The Journal of Pharmacy Technology: JPT: Official Publication of the Association of Pharmacy Technicians, 38(5), 283-288.
Reference Popover #ref5
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Henrique, I., Soares, R., Ingrid Prata Mendonça, Botelho, R. and Christina Alves Peixoto (2024).
Semaglutide Attenuates Anxious and Depressive-Like Behaviors and Reverses the Cognitive Impairment in a Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mouse Model Via the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, 19(1).
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