Ozempic and Wegovy may have an unexpected mental health benefit
A study from Griffith University suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like Ozempic may reduce the risk of psychiatric hospitalization in patients with bipolar disorder. Researchers believe these drugs may help by reducing brain inflammation and cellular stress.
Why it matters
Repurposing existing weight-loss and diabetes drugs for mental health could provide a significant new treatment option for millions living with bipolar disorder.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), widely used to treat diabetes and support weight loss, may also have benefits for mental health, particularly among people with bipolar disorder, according to new research from Griffith University.
Diabetes, obesity, and bipolar disorder frequently occur together and may share some underlying biological mechanisms. According to the latest World Health Organization estimates, about one in 200 people worldwide, or roughly 37 million people, live with bipolar disorder.
GLP-1 medications are already established treatments for diabetes and obesity, but their possible effects on bipolar disorder have remained unclear.
Large Study Examines GLP-1 Drugs and Bipolar Disorder
To investigate the connection, researchers led by Professor Mark Taylor from Griffith's School of Medicine and Dentistry analyzed nationwide Swedish data from nearly 15,000 people with bipolar disorder who had been prescribed GLP-1 medications over a 15-year period.
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