A recent study highlights significant mental health concerns associated with using prescription weight-loss medications. Adults who took these medications reported higher rates of depression, mental-health counseling, suicidal thoughts, and suicide-related behaviors compared to those who avoided them.
Key Study Details
Conducted at Asan Medical Center in South Korea, the study assessed data from 27,741 adults, including 10,908 men and 16,833 women. Among these participants, 846 had taken prescription weight-loss drugs in the prior year, while 26,895 did not.
Those using weight-loss medications were found to be:
- 1.9 times more likely to experience depression
- Twice as likely to seek mental health counseling
- 2.7 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts
- 1.7 times more likely to attempt suicide
The study’s findings emphasized stronger associations among medication users who experienced weight gain or regain.
Underlying Factors
Researchers noted that the depression and suicide-related indicators could stem from the neuropsychiatric effects of the drugs and psychological factors linked to unsuccessful weight control.
The tendency for depression and suicide-related indicators to increase as weight rebounds after using weight-loss drugs may reflect not only the neuropsychiatric effects of the drugs themselves, but also a complex interplay of psychological and social factors associated with failed weight control,” the research team highlighted.
Observational Study Limitations
Bonnie Mitchell, a licensed professional clinical counselor, emphasized that the study was observational and cross-sectional. It established a correlation between weight-loss drug use and mental health symptoms but did not establish causation.
Most of the data spanned from 2013 to 2022, during which modern GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists were either unavailable or had limited uptake in South Korea. Hence, the study focused on older anti-obesity agents like phentermine and topiramate.
The study notably identified users who gained weight despite the medication had 4.2 times higher odds of experiencing suicidal thoughts compared to non-users.
Importance of Mental Health Monitoring
Mitchell highlighted the necessity for healthcare providers to monitor mood changes in patients starting weight-loss medications. Physicians should evaluate patients’ mental health history for past or current depression or suicidal ideation before prescribing new medications.
Healthcare providers must educate patients about signs of mental distress, such as:
- Persistent low mood or sadness
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Increased anxiety or panic
- Sleep problems
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Behavioral changes noted by friends or family
Professional Advice and Drug Manufacturer Warnings
Mitchell advised immediate emergency care for active suicidal thoughts. If depression or suicidal ideation emerges during treatment, clinicians should stop the medication and refer patients to psychiatric support.
Manufacturers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have disclosed information regarding the risks. Lilly advises monitoring mood changes during treatment, and Novo Nordisk reports less than 1% of participants experienced suicidal ideation during trials.
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