Prescription Weight-Loss Medications Linked to Increased Mental Health Risks

Research from Asan Medical Center in South Korea reveals that adults using prescription weight-loss drugs have higher rates of depression, mental-health counseling, suicidal thoughts, and suicide-related behaviors compared to non-users.

The study involved 27,741 adults, including 10,908 men and 16,833 women. Among these, 846 participants took weight-loss medications in the past year, while 26,895 did not. Researchers identified increased depression and mental health risks, with drug users 1.9 times more likely to experience depression, twice as likely to seek counseling, 2.7 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts, and 1.7 times more likely to attempt suicide.

The researchers noted that associations were stronger for individuals who gained or regained weight after using the medications. They wrote that rebound weight gain might influence neuropsychiatric drug effects and reflect psychological and social factors linked to failed 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.

Bonnie Mitchell, a licensed professional clinical counselor in California, highlighted the observational nature of this study, which shows correlation but not causation between weight-loss drugs and mental health symptoms.

Mitchell emphasized the study’s focus on older anti-obesity agents, noting the potential risks of anxiety, mood changes, and insomnia associated with central nervous system stimulants like phentermine-based drugs.

The research published in the Korean Journal of Family Practice on Aug. 23, suggests further examination is necessary to determine if weight-loss drugs themselves impact mental health or if symptoms are related to factors like obesity or weight-loss struggles.

Mitchell recommends physicians conduct a baseline mental health review before prescribing new weight-loss medications and suggests ongoing monitoring with regular check-ins during dose escalation.

Patients are advised to contact healthcare providers if they experience worsening depressive symptoms like persistent low mood, unexplained sadness, fatigue, anhedonia, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and suicidal thoughts.

Mitchell advises discontinuing weight-loss medication and seeking psychiatric support if emergent depression or suicidal ideation occurs. Drug manufacturers like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk include suicide risk warnings in their safety information, emphasizing the importance of monitoring mood and behavioral changes.