4 Sept 2024 • Obesity is associated with numerous psychosocial complications, making psychiatric safety a consideration for treating people with obesity. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) that is approved globally for weight management at a once-weekly dosage of 2.4 mg.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are actively monitoring the psychiatric safety of GLP-1RAs following postmarketing surveillance reports of depression, SI, and suicidal behavior in people prescribed these medications for T2D or weight management.

Recently, a large-scale analysis of the STEP 1, 2, 3, and STEP 5 trials published in JAMA Internal Medicine has confirmed that semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly does not increase the risk of depression or suicidal thoughts compared to a placebo.

This study confirms that semaglutide is safe for mental health, offering reassurance for those with obesity.

Source: JAMA | Read full story