Weight-loss jabs may be good for mental health, research shows
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Introduction:
The news topic “Weight-loss jabs may be good for mental health, research shows” has drawn international attention, with various media outlets providing diverse insights, historical context, political stances, and on-the-ground developments. Below is a curated overview of how different countries and media organizations have covered this topic recently.
Quick Summary:
- Scientists from the University of Bern in Switzerland have found that appetite-suppressing injections also improve mood, wellbeing and quality of life more than insulin and other antidiabetic drugs. The drugs belong to a group known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which slow digestion and reduce appetite. Treatment with the medicines were not associated with worse mental health, nor greater risk of new mental illness or psychiatric admissions. About 13-15% of working-age people in England and Wales have a long-term mental health or behavioural condition, with 2 million people in contact with NHS mental health services in December 2024. The research was presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain..
- People taking the injections showed “significantly improved’ emotional wellbeing in trials. Drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro had ‘beneficial effects’ on depression and bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Study found no link between the jabs and new mental health problems or thoughts about self-harm or suicide. Study author Dr Sigrid Breit said they “exert a positive effect on mental state and quality of life’. The drugs may have antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the brain.
- Weight loss jabs could also help treat mental illness, new study finds. Research presented at the the European Congress on Obesity suggests weight loss injections are safe and work for the mentally ill. Scientists believe appetite suppressing drugs may boost mental health and general wellbeing by lowering inflammation in the brain. The Royal College of Psychiatrists has called for patients with mental illness to be prioritised for the drugs. The jabs slow digestion and reduce appetite by mimicking the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) hormone which regulates hunger and feelings of fullness. For participants the weekly jabs improved mood, wellbeing and quality of life measures more than insulin and other anti-diabetic drugs, according to Swiss researchers. The research is the best evidence yet that the injections could be good for the mind as well as the body.
Country-by-Country Breakdown:
Original Coverage
Scientists from the University of Bern in Switzerland have found that appetite-suppressing injections also improve mood, wellbeing and quality of life more than insulin and other antidiabetic drugs. The drugs belong to a group known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which slow digestion and reduce appetite. Treatment with the medicines were not associated with worse mental health, nor greater risk of new mental illness or psychiatric admissions. About 13-15% of working-age people in England and Wales have a long-term mental health or behavioural condition, with 2 million people in contact with NHS mental health services in December 2024. The research was presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain.. Read full article
Weight loss jabs such as Ozempic could banish depression and make you happier, a study claims
People taking the injections showed “significantly improved’ emotional wellbeing in trials. Drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro had ‘beneficial effects’ on depression and bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Study found no link between the jabs and new mental health problems or thoughts about self-harm or suicide. Study author Dr Sigrid Breit said they “exert a positive effect on mental state and quality of life’. The drugs may have antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the brain. Read full article
Weight loss jabs could also help treat mental illness, bombshell new study finds
Weight loss jabs could also help treat mental illness, new study finds. Research presented at the the European Congress on Obesity suggests weight loss injections are safe and work for the mentally ill. Scientists believe appetite suppressing drugs may boost mental health and general wellbeing by lowering inflammation in the brain. The Royal College of Psychiatrists has called for patients with mental illness to be prioritised for the drugs. The jabs slow digestion and reduce appetite by mimicking the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) hormone which regulates hunger and feelings of fullness. For participants the weekly jabs improved mood, wellbeing and quality of life measures more than insulin and other anti-diabetic drugs, according to Swiss researchers. The research is the best evidence yet that the injections could be good for the mind as well as the body. Read full article
Weight loss jabs could be prescribed to treat depression, major study finds
GLP-1 medications, which curb hunger, also appeared to have antidepressant effects. Mental health improvements were seen in both healthy patients and those with severe mental illness. Effects included improved quality of life for people with conditions such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder. Adults without mental illness also saw benefits for mood and emotional wellbeing. Researchers say the drugs may have anti-anxiety effects, potentially due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Study leader Dr Sigrid Breit from the University of Bern, Switzerland, said patients with mental illness should nonetheless be carefully monitored. She called for larger trials to investigate whether weight loss drugs could be prescribed specifically for the treatment of mental health disorders in people who are overweight. Read full article
Experimental daily pill found to aid weight loss in what could be alternative to jabs like Ozempic
The medicine, called orforglipron, belongs to a class of blockbuster weight loss drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Lilly’s pill may be the first to get there, clearing a key hurdle in a late-stage clinical trial testing the safety and efficacy of the medicine, the company said. The most common side effects were diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, constipation, and vomiting. There were no liver problems reported in the study, which is notable given Pfizer announced earlier this week that it would abandon working on a once-daily pill to treat obesity after one patient in a clinical trial suffered liver problems. The study divided adults with type 2 diabetes into three groups: one group took oforglipron, one took a placebo or dummy pill, and another group were told only to diet and exercise. Read full article
Who Should Take Weight Loss Injections, and Who Shouldn’t?
Weight loss injections have gained significant attention in recent years as a potential tool for managing obesity and associated metabolic conditions. Many of these injections belong to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. This article examines who may benefit, who should avoid them, and the potential health implications based on current scientific evidence. It also will help gain a clearer understanding of whether weight loss injections are a suitable option for their unique healthcare needs. The interplay between medical therapy and individualized lifestyle modifications remains crucial for achieving lasting health outcomes. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch, or see www.samaritans.org. Read full article
Ozempic could be prescribed to treat depression – as major study shows weight loss jabs boost mental health
Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide, part of a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1RAs. They work by mimicking a hormone responsible for regulating feelings of fullness and help to suppress the apatite. But concerns have been raised in recent months over some people abusing the jabs for ‘cosmetic reasons’ in order to stay extremely thin. Health Secretary Wes Streeting and NHS England medical director Sir Stephen Powis have warned against using them to ‘get beach body ready’ The findings raise the possibility that the medicines, originally developed to treat diabetes, could one day be offered as a mental health therapy, say experts at the University of Oxford. Read full article
Global Perspectives Summary:
Global media portray this story through varied cultural, economic, and political filters. While some focus on geopolitical ramifications, others highlight local impacts and human stories. Some nations frame the story around diplomatic tensions and international relations, while others examine domestic implications, public sentiment, or humanitarian concerns. This diversity of coverage reflects how national perspectives, media freedom, and journalistic priorities influence what the public learns about global events.
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Sources:
- Original Article
- Weight loss jabs such as Ozempic could banish depression and make you happier, a study claims
- Weight loss jabs could also help treat mental illness, bombshell new study finds
- Weight loss jabs could be prescribed to treat depression, major study finds
- Experimental daily pill found to aid weight loss in what could be alternative to jabs like Ozempic
- Who Should Take Weight Loss Injections, and Who Shouldn’t?
- Ozempic could be prescribed to treat depression – as major study shows weight loss jabs boost mental health
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/may/10/weight-loss-jabs-may-be-good-for-mental-health-research-shows