GLP-1 medications may reduce depression symptoms effectively

A new study involving nearly 30,000 patients suggests that GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic and Wegovy, may help reduce depression symptoms. This finding indicates potential for these drugs to be used in mental health treatment, beyond their weight loss benefits. Researchers found that older diabetics using GLP-1 medications reported fewer depression symptoms compared to those on other diabetes treatments. This supports earlier studies linking GLP-1 drugs to improved mental health and reduced suicide risk in teenagers. The study highlights that the antidepressant effect may stem from the drugs' ability to reduce inflammation, which is linked to depression. This challenges previous concerns about the potential for these medications to cause suicidal thoughts.