Adolescents treated for obesity with GLP-1 drugs had lower risk of suicidal thoughts, study finds

A recent evaluation of adolescent medical records revealed a noteworthy trend concerning the treatment of obesity. Adolescents using GLP-1 medications, namely semaglutide or liraglutide, showed a lower incidence of suicidal thoughts or attempts compared to those undergoing behavioral interventions like diet and exercise. Semaglutide is marketed as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for obesity, while liraglutide is available as Victoza for diabetes and Saxenda for obesity.

The investigation included data over three years, showing that these medications might be linked to a reduced suicide risk among adolescents, as only 1.4% had suicidal thoughts or attempts versus 2.3% in the non-medicated group over a 12-month period. There wasn’t any increase in suicide-related outcomes through three years, though gastrointestinal side effects were noted. Mental health evaluations remain crucial as this group's vulnerability requires careful monitoring. It's suggested that potential mechanisms of these medicines affecting brain function merit further exploration. 

Despite these findings, these drugs shouldn't be considered direct treatments for depression. Families should pursue treatment for obesity and depression independently, ensuring comprehensive care for both conditions.