Neuroscientist Matthew Hayes from the University of Pennsylvania in the US said Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonist drugs have the potential to relieve symptoms of depression by acting on reward centers in the brain. In this respect reports Bloomberg’s Opinion.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications for the treatment of obesity and diabetes that mimic the action of the GLP-1 hormone produced by the body when food enters the stomach. This helps the pancreas produce insulin when glucose levels are high and also reduces appetite.
The neuroscientist stated that losing weight is good for mental health, and people feel better due to increased attractiveness and mobility. However, mental health problems may not be associated with appearance-related self-confidence. Hayes cited a study from the University of Toronto that found that treatment with GLP-1 agonist drugs can improve cognitive function in people with depression or bipolar disorder.
The interaction between mental disorders and metabolism is becoming increasingly clear as scientists learn more about the connection between the gut and the brain, the expert explained. Most likely, weight loss drugs like Ozempic act on the reward centers of the brain and affect the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is responsible for motivation and mood.
However, more comprehensive studies are needed to more accurately evaluate the potential of GLP-1 agonists in the treatment of depression. Many of these are now conducted with small numbers of subjects and no control group, Hayes explained.
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