Key takeaways
- Research on the mental health effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications has been mixed. Some studies suggest they may reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, or binge eating disorder, while other data suggests they may increase the risk of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.
- GLP-1 receptors are found in areas of the brain that regulate mood, stress, and reward processing. Because of this, GLP-1 medications may affect mental health, though more research is needed to understand the potential benefits and risks.
- Talk with a healthcare professional if you develop signs of a mental health condition while taking GLP-1 medications, such as rapid mood changes, nervousness, changes in sleep or appetite, or eating disorder symptoms. They can recommend medication changes or other treatments.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that helps regulate blood glucose levels, slow digestion, and promote a sense of fullness. GLP-1 medications mimic GLP-1 in the body to reduce blood glucose and support weight loss.
Scientists have started to study the
While some studies suggest that GLP-1 medications may help reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety, others suggest they may have negative side effects on mental health.
More research is needed to understand the potential benefits and risks of GLP-1 medications for mental health. The effects might vary among groups of people.
Read on to learn more about how GLP-1 medications might affect mental health.
In recent years, prescriptions for GLP-1 medications have rapidly increased.
Many people are now taking GLP-1 medications to support weight loss or manage chronic conditions related to changes in metabolism, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
People with
GLP-1 receptors are found in tissues throughout the body, including areas of the brain that regulate mood, stress, and reward processing. GLP-1 medications may act on those receptors in ways that affect mood or the risk of certain mental health conditions.
Some experts have also raised concerns about how the growing use of GLP-1 medications might affect social attitudes or behaviors related to body size and weight loss.
It’s possible that growing use of GLP-1 medications might increase weight stigma or fatphobia. Some people might face negative attitudes for taking this medication.
More research is needed to study these potential risks.
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Some studies have found that people who take GLP-1 medications have reduced symptoms of depression or anxiety, reduced emotional eating, or improved quality of life.
Other research has found that people who take GLP-1 medications have an increased risk of depression and anxiety, as well as suicidal thinking and behavior.
Limited research suggests GLP-1 medications may help reduce symptoms of binge eating disorder. However, experts have also raised concerns about possible negative side effects.
Scientists have also started to study the potential benefits of GLP-1 medications for treating substance use disorders, including alcohol use disorder. More research is needed.
It’s possible that different types or doses of GLP-1 medication may affect mental health in different ways. The potential benefits and risks might also vary across groups of people based on sex, history of certain health conditions, and other factors.
Effects on depression and anxiety
Research on depression and anxiety in people taking GLP-1 medications has been mixed. Some evidence suggests this type of medication may lower the risk or not affect the risk of depression or anxiety. Other data suggests it may increase the risk.
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A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis looked at six studies of adults who took a GLP-1 medication or another type of glucose-lowering drug or placebo. None of the participants had a past diagnosis of clinical depression. After 24 to 60 weeks, participants with type 2 diabetes who took GLP-1 medication had reduced symptoms of depression.
A cohort study published in 2022 found that people with diabetes who took GLP-1 medication had a lower risk of anxiety than those who did not take this medication. The risk of anxiety was reduced more than the risk of depression.
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Effects on eating disorders
A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis found that taking GLP-1 medication may help treat binge eating disorder. This review included five small studies with 182 participants. Overall, Binge Eating Scale scores improved in those who took GLP-1 medication.
More long-term research is needed to learn how GLP-1 medication may affect people with binge eating disorder.
Research is also needed to learn how GLP-1 medications may affect people with other types of eating disorders.
The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) warns that GLP-1 medications might be misused by people with restrictive anorexia nervosa, atypical anorexia, or bulimia nervosa.
It’s possible that GLP-1 medications could worsen symptoms, such as:
- body image concerns
- weight obsession
- drive to be thin
- meal skipping
GLP-1 medication affects feelings of fullness, which could make it harder for people who are recovering from eating disorders to follow their recommended snack and meal plans.
NEDA also warns that growing use of GLP-1 medications might increase weight stigma and fatphobia, which negatively affect mental health, especially in people with larger bodies.
More research is needed on the possible mental health side effects of GLP-1 medications.
A 2024 study looked at data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), which collects information about possible medication side effects.
This study found 181,238 reports of adverse events in people taking GLP-1 medications between 2004 and 2023. Among those reports, 8,240 were for psychiatric adverse events.
Psychiatric adverse events related to GLP-1 medications included:
- nervousness
- stress
- insomnia
- fear of injection
- eating disorder
- binge eating
- fear of eating
- self-induced vomiting
Psychiatric adverse events were more commonly reported in women than men.
It’s not clear whether taking GLP-1 medications caused these adverse events. People taking GLP-1 medications may have had other conditions or risk factors that played a role.
Let your doctor know if you develop signs or symptoms of a mental health condition or treatment side effects that are affecting your mood, thinking, or behavior.
Possible warning signs of mental illness include:
- rapid or dramatic changes in your mood or emotions
- challenges with logical thinking, concentration, or memory
- strong feelings of nervousness, suspicion, or fear
- increased sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells, or touch
- changes in your sleep, appetite, or eating habits
- challenges with personal care, such as bathing
- reduced performance at school or work
- reduced interest in activities you used to enjoy
- feeling disconnected from people or things around you
- social withdrawal
- unusual behavior
Possible signs and symptoms of an eating disorder include:
- thinking or worrying a lot about weight loss, food, calories, or dieting
- thinking or worrying a lot about your body shape or size
- frequently checking your appearance for perceived flaws
- coming up with reasons to avoid meals or situations that involve food
- eating large amounts of food in short periods of time, often in secret
- refusing to eat certain foods or entire food groups
- food rituals, such as eating foods in a certain order
- taking diuretics or laxatives in ways your doctor doesn’t recommend
- making yourself vomit
Consider talking with your doctor if you develop one or more of these symptoms. They can help you learn whether it’s a sign of a mental health condition or other health change.
They may recommend medication changes, psychological counseling, or other treatments.
Scientists are still studying the possible effects of GLP-1 medications on mental health.
Some research suggests this type of medication may:
- reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety
- reduce emotional eating behavior
- improve symptoms of binge eating disorder
Other data suggests it may increase depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
More research is needed to learn how this medication affects mood and the risk of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.
Let your doctor know if you have questions or concerns about your mental health.
They may recommend changes to your treatment plan.