GLP1-RAs use carries No Psychiatric Risk, rather Enhances Emotional Well-Being in Overweight Diabetes Patients: JAMA

The key findings showed no significant difference between GLP-1 RA treatment and placebo in terms of serious psychiatric adverse events (log risk ratio −0.02) or non-serious psychiatric issues (log risk ratio −0.03). Changes in depressive symptoms were also negligible (Hedges g = 0.02), indicating no worsening of mental health conditions.

But the analysis did uncover several psychological and lifestyle benefits. The patients receiving GLP-1 RA therapy showed small-to-moderate improvements in eating behavior, specifically in restrained eating (Hedges g = 0.35) and emotional eating (g = 0.32), suggesting enhanced control over impulsive eating patterns often associated with stress or negative moods.

Notably, GLP-1 RA users reported measurable enhancements across several quality-of-life domains; where mental health–related QOL improved (g = 0.15), indicating better emotional well-being. Physical health–related QOL (g = 0.20) and diabetes-specific QOL (g = 0.23) also increased, reflecting improved physical functioning and daily diabetes management.

Weight-related QOL (g = 0.27) showed the most robust improvement, suggesting greater satisfaction with weight and body image. This study provides strong evidence that GLP-1 RAs are not only physically effective but also safe from a psychiatric standpoint, with added benefits for emotional eating and quality of life.

Source:

Pierret, A. C. S., Mizuno, Y., Saunders, P., Lim, E., De Giorgi, R., Howes, O. D., McCutcheon, R. A., McGowan, B., Sen Gupta, P., Smith, D., Ismail, K., & Pillinger, T. (2025). Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry (Chicago, Ill.). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2025.0679