JAMA Intern Med

Does semaglutide negatively affect psychiatric outcomes in adults with obesity?

September 5, 2024

The analysis concluded that semaglutide, 2.4 mg, doesn't increase the risk of depression or suicidal ideation and is associated with a slight reduction in depressive symptoms.

Study details

Investigators analyzed pooled data from the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter phase 3a STEP 1, 2, and 3 trials (68 weeks; 2018-2020) and phase 3b STEP 5 trial (104 weeks; 2018-2021). Trials included 3,377 participants in STEP 1, 2, and 3 (69.6% women; mean age 49 years) and 304 participants in STEP 5 (77.6% women; mean age 47 years).

Key findings

Semaglutide showed a statistically significant reduction in depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score difference: -0.56; P < 0.001) and no increase in suicidal ideation/behavior compared with placebo.

Source:

Wadden TA, et al. (2024, September 3). JAMA Intern Med. Psychiatric Safety of Semaglutide for Weight Management in People Without Known Major Psychopathology: Post Hoc Analysis of the STEP 1, 2, 3, and 5 Trials. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39226070/