Can Ozempic cause depression? What the research says

Can Ozempic cause depression? What does the research say?

Short answer: Ozempic is not recognised as a cause of depression. Current research into semaglutide and mental health shows no consistently increased risk, but low mood may arise indirectly as a result of physical changes during weight loss.

The question of whether Ozempic can cause depression regularly comes up amongst people who are starting to use semaglutide. This is understandable: you’re making a significant change to your body, and you want to know what to expect. At the same time, posts are circulating on social media about users who felt more depressed during treatment. Is there any truth in this? In this article, we explain what the current research says, which mechanisms may play a role, and when you should contact a doctor.

Is depression a known side effect of Ozempic?

No, depression is not listed as a known side effect of Ozempic in the official product information. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published the product information for Ozempic, which describes the most common side effects: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal disturbances. Psychiatric side effects, including depression, are not listed as an established risk. However, in 2023, the EMA carried out a safety review following reports of depressive thoughts among GLP-1 users; this review did not, however, lead to any changes to the package leaflet.

What does the research say about semaglutide and mental health?

The scientific evidence in this area is nuanced, but largely reassuring. A study on suicide risk by McIntyre and colleagues, a systematic review published in *Expert Opinion on Drug Safety*, showed that, based on the available evidence, there is no clear increased risk of suicidal behaviour among users of GLP-1 receptor agonists. A subsequent replication study on mood effects confirms that no consistent causal link has been found between the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and increased suicidal behaviour.

At the same time, a broad systematic review of GLP-1 and mental health shows that the picture is more complex. Arillotta and colleagues describe both beneficial effects on overeating and depressive mood, as well as isolated cases of reported complaints. The mechanism is not yet sufficiently understood, and the researchers emphasise that more long-term data are needed. A more recent systematic review of psychiatric effects by Meshkat and colleagues also concludes that GLP-1 agonists may potentially have a beneficial effect on mood, but that vulnerable population groups deserve special attention.

Also of interest is a study among overweight patients with heart failure who, in addition to weight loss, also reported semaglutide and improved mood. The patients experienced a better quality of life and improved mood. This is consistent with the broader observation that weight loss in itself can have a positive effect on mental well-being.

Why do some users report feeling low whilst using Ozempic?

Feeling low whilst using Ozempic is likely to have several indirect causes. Semaglutide acts via GLP-1 receptors in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus, leading to a reduced sense of hunger and an increased feeling of fullness. For many people, food also plays an emotional and social role: eating less can mean less enjoyment of meals, fewer social interactions centred around food, or the loss of a coping mechanism. This can lead to a feeling of emptiness or low mood, without this constituting clinical depression.

Furthermore, the weight loss process is not always linear, and weight plateaus or side effects such as nausea and tiredness can affect your mood. See the page on side effects of Ozempic and the explanation of side effects associated with weight loss for a complete overview of possible side effects. Would you like to know more about how the medicine works in your body? Then read how Ozempic works.

Who should take particular care?

People with a history of depression, anxiety disorders or other psychiatric conditions deserve special attention when starting semaglutide. Not because Ozempic causes depression, but because this group may generally be more sensitive to mood swings, including those caused by significant physical changes. The same applies to people currently taking antidepressants or other psychiatric medication: always discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment.

The Pharmacotherapeutic Compass lists no psychiatric contraindications for semaglutide, but emphasises the need for an individual assessment in cases of complex comorbidities. If you feel vulnerable in relation to your eating behaviour or self-image, it is wise to discuss this at the start of treatment.

Which signs should you take seriously?

Most users experience no mental health symptoms whilst using Ozempic. However, if you notice noticeable changes in your mood, it is always wise to take them seriously. Signs that require attention include: persistent low mood lasting longer than two weeks, loss of interest in things that usually bring you joy, sleep problems that do not improve, or thoughts of harming yourself. These are not documented side effects of Ozempic, but they always warrant a discussion with a doctor, regardless of whether you are taking medication or not.

Also contact your doctor if you are in any doubt. Early intervention prevents symptoms from worsening.

What if you feel more depressed whilst using Ozempic?

Do not stop taking Ozempic on your own if you feel more depressed; instead, contact your doctor or counsellor. Suddenly stopping the treatment can cause side effects and does not resolve the underlying problem. Your doctor can assess whether your mood is linked to the medication, the weight loss process itself, or another cause.

At Goodweigh, you not only get access to Ozempic and similar medicines, but also personalised guidance from Goodweigh that goes beyond weight management alone. Mental health is an integral part of the Goodweigh programme, so you always have someone to turn to for support when things get tough. Would you like to know exactly what Ozempic involves? Then take a look at the page on Ozempic at Goodweigh.

Your mental health is just as important as your weight

According to current scientific evidence, Ozempic is not a cause of depression. At the same time, it stands to reason that a far-reaching process of change will also affect your mood. Losing weight isn’t just a physical process: it changes your relationship with food, with your body and, sometimes, with your social environment.

Good guidance takes this into account. If you’re unsure how you’re feeling whilst using semaglutide, speak up. It’s not a sign of weakness, but of care.

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