Semaglutide Isn't Associated with Elevated Risk for Suicidal Ideation

Observational studies have suggested that weight-loss drugs and bariatric surgery rarely might be associated with suicidal ideation and suicide, although causal relations have been difficult to prove (NEJM JW Gen Med Mar 1 2018 and Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2018; 6:197). Thus, we should not be surprised that suicidal ideation now has been reported anecdotally for the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist semaglutide, which is approved for treating patients with obesity (as well as diabetes). To address this concern systematically, researchers used a large real-world electronic health database.

More than 52,000 patients without prior suicidal ideation and with overweight or obesity who were prescribed semaglutide were propensity-m…