Patients who take blockbuster drugs for weight loss report an unusual additional benefit: They are free from the anxiety and depression that used to dominate their lives.
Users across the country report that once they start taking Ozempic, their nervousness subsides. Others say their depression is gone too.
The drug helps people lose weight by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which curbs hunger and slows the rate at which a person’s stomach empties, making them feel full for longer.
Experts concede that it may also help reduce anxiety, but admit it’s not clear whether this is due to the weight loss induced by the drug or some other factor.
It is estimated that one in every 60 adults in the US now has a prescription for Ozempic, its higher-dose version Wegovy, and another weight-loss drug called Mounjaro.
Ozempic works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which curbs hunger and slows the rate at which a person’s stomach empties, making them feel full for longer
Researchers from Taiwan found that diabetics taking GLP-1 drugs were less likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder than diabetics not taking GLP-1 drugs
A 2020 review of studies looking at the hormone GLP-1’s ability to relieve depression found that “GLP-1 is a useful therapeutic modulator of depression.”
dr Mary Jacobson, chief medical officer for telemedicine company Hello Alpha, based in Palo Alto, California, told DailyMail.com that her patients who received Ozempic reported a decrease in anxiety.
She said, “About 20 percent of our patients who come to us about being overweight also see us about mental health symptoms.”
“Patients taking Ozempic appear to have improvement in symptoms based on their validated questionnaire score for depression and anxiety.”
But dr Jacobson acknowledged that one doesn’t know why that might be, as some users may feel better about losing weight and as a side effect, their anxiety is reduced.
She said, “Does the weight loss make them feel better so they’re less afraid of stigma, like going out in public or being self-confident?”
She added, “Some studies show a decrease in social anxiety or social phobias, as well as binge eating disorder and panic attacks.”
“It could be that they just feel better, but [there’s] There’s no telling if they feel that way in terms of actual weight loss and the effect Ozempic is having on the neural circuits in the brain.
“We haven’t figured that out yet, but it certainly seems possible and probable.”
A 2020 study conducted at China Medical University Hospital in Taiwan looked at diabetics taking GLP-1 medication and those not taking GLP-1 medication.
They found that people taking GLP-1 medication were less likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
However, some users report increased anxiety.
dr Jacobson said, “When you think about people with severe obesity, how does that change their lives if they lose that much weight?” Are you prepared?
“That’s why behavior change is so important and working with coaches and others is so important, because it’s really a big change in your life.”
Users on TikTok have reported a significant decrease in their anxiety.
One user commented, “I’ve experienced so much relief from my anxiety from Ozempic. It’s amazing as if it’s noticeable.’
Another said: “Pain and fear are gone with Mounjaro.” I’m in [a] Facebook group with more than 90,000 members. “Many say fear is better.”
There have also been a number of negative side effects from taking Ozempic and Wegovy.
Recently, more and more patients have been reporting embarrassing and debilitating stomach and toilet complaints – from severe constipation to loss of bowel control.
The issues are so widespread that a Reddit group has been formed with more than 30,000 members where users share their most embarrassing stories.
One user wrote in one thread, “I literally shit into myself while I’m sleeping.” This is happening for the first time. “A few days after my first semaglutide injection, I had severe diarrhea.”
Meanwhile, a 43-year-old anonymous man who took Wegovy said: “I’m just SO embarrassed to be a grown adult who broke his pants!”
The drugs slow down the digestion process and thus ensure a longer feeling of satiety. This can lead to constipation. However, it can also signal the brain to empty the stomach contents sooner, which can lead to diarrhea.
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