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Study with almost 100,000 people in Sweden associates semaglutide with fewer hospitalizations, sick leaves, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, but researchers have not yet defined the mechanisms involved
Semaglutide, used in medications like Wegovy and Ozempic, was associated with reductions of up to 42% in hospitalizations and sick leaves due to psychiatric problems in a study with almost 100,000 people in Sweden.
Study tracked records from 2009 to 2022
The analysis was published in The Lancet Psychiatry scientific journal and evaluated GLP-1 analogue medications, a class used for weight loss and diabetes. Among them are semaglutide and tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro.
The work was conducted by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland, the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, and Griffith University in Australia, based on Swedish national records collected between 2009 and 2022.
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In total, almost 100,000 individuals were followed. Of this group, more than 20,000 used GLP-1 analogue medications during the analyzed period, allowing for comparison between phases with and without treatment.
Semaglutide showed stronger association
The results indicated that the use of these medications, especially semaglutide, was linked to fewer hospitalizations and work absences related to psychiatric problems.
During periods when participants used semaglutide, risks were 42% lower compared to phases without treatment. The decrease also appeared in specific diagnoses evaluated by the research.
The risk of depression decreased by 44%, while anxiety disorders fell by 38%. These numbers reinforced the hypothesis that the drugs may have effects beyond weight control and diabetes.
Substance use also decreased
Semaglutide was also associated with a lower risk of substance use disorders. Hospitalizations and sick leaves related to this type of problem were 47% lower during treatment periods.
GLP-1 receptor agonists also appeared associated with a reduced risk of suicidal behavior.
The analysis did not detail definitive mechanisms but pointed to a relevant statistical link in the evaluated records.
Mark Taylor, a professor at Griffith University and one of the study’s authors, cited that a previous study with Swedish records had already linked GLP-1 medications to a lower risk of alcohol use disorder.
As alcohol-related problems often affect mood and anxiety, researchers expected some positive effect in these areas. Still, the strength of the association surprised the team.
Possible mechanisms are not yet defined
Markku Lähteenvuo, Research Director and lecturer at the University of Eastern Finland, stated that the registry-based study does not allow for determining exactly how or why the medications affect mood symptoms.
Among the possibilities cited are lower alcohol consumption, improvements in body image linked to weight loss, and relief from better glycemic control in diabetes. Direct neurobiological mechanisms may also exist.
These mechanisms could involve changes in the functioning of the brain’s reward system.
The association, however, still requires caution, as the study design does not establish a direct cause.
New finding contrasts with previous research
The study published in The Lancet Psychiatry contrasts with research released a year ago in the scientific journal Current Neuropharmacology.
This previous work evaluated a possible link between GLP-1 analogues and brain changes associated with an increased risk of depression and suicidal ideation in certain patients, based on genetic pathways.
With information from Época Negócios.
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