Recent research has suggested that two popular medications, Ozempic and Wegovy—primarily known for treating diabetes and aiding weight loss—may also offer benefits for mental health and substance use disorders. The study, conducted by researchers at the Veterans’ Affairs St. Louis Health Care System, examined over 1.2 million medical records and found a potential link between these drugs and a reduced risk of various psychiatric conditions, including substance abuse and cognitive decline.
Key Findings
The study indicated that the medications, which are part of the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) class, may reduce the risk of conditions such as:
- Substance use disorders: Alcohol, cannabis, opioid, and stimulant use disorders showed a modest reduction in risk.
- Mental health issues: A 10% reduction in suicidal thoughts and self-harm, and an 18% decrease in schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.
- Cognitive health: A potential 8–12% decrease in the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
How Do Ozempic and Wegovy Work?
Ozempic and Wegovy contain the active ingredient semaglutide, and are part of a class of drugs that work by mimicking the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone. These drugs help lower blood sugar levels and reduce appetite, which contributes to weight loss. They also slow the emptying of the stomach, making users feel fuller for longer periods, and have shown to impact brain areas involved in impulse control and addiction, potentially explaining their effects on substance use disorders.
Caution and Limitations
While the study’s findings are promising, the researchers have cautioned against jumping to conclusions. The data is from an observational study, not a randomized controlled trial, meaning no definitive cause-and-effect relationship can be established. Experts, including David Henry, a former clinical pharmacologist, have stressed the need for further clinical trials to validate these results before using these drugs to treat mental health or addiction issues.
Additionally, the study’s sample largely consisted of older, predominantly white male veterans, which limits the broader applicability of the findings.
Potential Risks
As with any medication, GLP-1RAs have side effects. The study found that common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were reported by users. In rare instances, issues like impaired pancreatic or kidney function were also noted.
Conclusion
Ozempic and Wegovy are primarily designed for managing diabetes and aiding in weight loss, and the preliminary evidence from this study opens the possibility that they may also offer mental health and addiction-related benefits. However, experts emphasize that further clinical research is essential to determine if these potential benefits hold true for the wider population. Until then, these drugs should not be used as treatments for mental health disorders outside of their approved indications.
Image by Leanne Parker from Pixabay
