New study suggests that weight-loss injections may also improve your mood

Those weight-loss jabs—Ozempic, Wegovy, you know, are making headlines again. These shots aren’t just to help you lose weight or manage diabetes.  In a recent study, the University of Bern’s Swiss branch found that these shots can boost mental health. They may even be more effective than insulin and other diabetes drugs. 

You can also find out more about the following: findingsThe European Congress on Obesity, held in Malaga, has doctors and patients buzzing. Can these injections help both the body and the mind? 

Dr. Sigrid breit led the research on drugs such as semaglutide – the star ingredient of these Ozempic shots.  Some people lose 10-20% of their body weight by reducing digestion and curbing appetite. Here’s the real kicker: They also seem to boost your mood.  More than 25,000 adults in multiple studies reported a better emotional wellbeing, particularly those without mental issues.

Even folks with severe conditions—think schizophrenia or bipolar disorder—saw mood lifts and better quality of life.

Breit stated that patients face a difficult trade-off. These jabs, which can often cause weight gain and a drop in self-esteem, did not worsen the mental health of patients or create new problems. One study with 732 patients diagnosed with diabetes found that the treatment resulted in more positive feelings and less distress.

What’s the story?

Breit believes the drugs’ antiinflammatory effects could calm brain swelling associated with anxiety or depression. It is possible to feel better by losing weight.

GLP-1 RAs [receptor agonists] Breit stated that “anti-oxidative and antidepressant properties may also reduce neuroinflammation.” These results are important, especially for those suffering from severe mental disorders. They are three times as likely to suffer from obesity than the average person.

One post on social media nailed the message: “Feel better in your skin. Your mind will follow.” Even some people believe these adenoids could protect against Alzheimer’s thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties. It’s not just physical—some suspect they tweak brain chemistry, almost like antidepressants.

Mental health pros are intrigued. Dr. Ed Beveridge a psychiatrist of note, described the data as “exciting”, and encouraged doctors to give these shots first priority to people with mental disorders, provided they monitor closely.

We know that many people with mental illnesses will struggle to manage their weight for various reasons. Beveridge stated that, when clinically determined to be suitable, they should be regarded as the priority group in terms of accessing semaglutide medications, and with appropriate monitoring measures following prescription.

Some experts are skeptical

It’s important to note that 13-15 percent of Brits in working age have long-term mental issues. 2 million Brits are receiving NHS care.

Weight-gaining medications can make obesity worse for these people, sometimes triple their rate. Not everyone is ecstatic. 

Some experts caution that these injections are only a temporary solution. One expert told a UK newspaper that we need to focus on the cause of mental illness, and not just the symptoms.

There’s a catch—these drugs aren’t perfect. Users can suffer from nausea, low blood pressure and kidney stones.

Obesity costs Britain nearly 120 billion euro yearly

In a 2024 study, semaglutide was even linked to a rare condition of the eye that can lead to blindness. 

There’s also access. Only 1 in 10 eligible Brits get these jabs through the NHS, leaving many forking out £120 (142 euros) to £250 (296 euros) monthly at private clinics. Regulators are taking action against online pharmacies that run misleading advertisements. It’s a mess.

What’s the bigger picture? Obesity costs the UK £100 billion (119 billion euros) a year—healthcare, lost work, you name it. A quarter of adults are obese, and these jabs could save £4.5 billion by getting people healthier and back to work. 

Outrage has been generated by plans to inject unemployed people to boost the economy. Critics say it’s “straight from a sci-fi dream,” and argue that health shouldn’t be linked to employment status.

The Bern study is a starting point, not the end. Breit stated that “we need larger trials to secure this,” especially before prescribing injections for mental illness alone. Social media’s split—some call it a no-brainer, others want hard proof. 

These injections may help you lose weight, but are not a magic wand. You can ask your doctor about it, but be sure to watch out for any side effects.

Rachel Hastings Caplan, clinical researcher policy manager at Rethink Mental Illness warns that “weight loss injections should only use on prescription and with medical advice. Special consideration must be given to people at risk for eating disorders.”