Weight-loss drugs linked to depression, suicidal thoughts, but expert notes limitations

Key Points:

• A South Korean observational study found adults using prescription weight-loss medications had higher rates of depression, mental health counseling, suicidal thoughts, and suicide-related behaviors compared to non-users, with risks amplified among those who regained weight.
• The study analyzed data from 27,741 adults and noted weight-loss drug users were 1.9 times more likely to experience depression and 2.7 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts; however, it cannot establish causation due to its cross-sectional design.
• Experts highlight that mental health symptoms may be influenced by pre-existing conditions, psychological distress from weight regain, or the neuropsychiatric effects of older weight-loss drugs, many of which are stimulants associated with anxiety and mood changes.
• Physicians are advised to conduct baseline mental health assessments before prescribing weight-loss medications and to closely monitor patients for mood changes, discontinuing medication and providing psychiatric support if suicidal ideation emerges.
• Manufacturers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk report low incidences of suicidal ideation in clinical trials for their weight-loss drugs Zepbound and Wegovy, respectively, but warnings remain on product labels to monitor mood changes during treatment.