Teens with obesity who take Wegovy or similar at lower risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-10-15 02:00

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***This media release contains information some readers may find distressing as it refers to data about mental health, suicide and self-harm. If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline (Aus) on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or Lifeline (NZ) on 0800 543 354. ***

US scientists say teens with obesity who take glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1R) - the diabetes and weight loss drugs that include Wegovy in Australia - experience fewer suicidal thoughts or attempts compared with teens with obesity who were not prescribed these drugs and were treated with a lifestyle intervention instead. They looked at data for nearly 7,000 US teens with obesity, half of whom were prescribed a GLP1R, while the other half were treated with lifestyle interventions. They found those on GLP1Rs were 33% less likely to have suicidal thoughts or to attempt suicide than those who weren't given the drugs during one year of follow-up. However, those on GLP1Rs were more likely to experience gastrointestinal symptoms. The findings suggest GLP1Rs are psychiatrically safe for teens with obesity, the authors say, adding that the reduction in suicidal thoughts among teens with obesity should be confirmed and explored in future research.