The rise of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic has been abrupt. Originally developed to treat diabetes, these medications are now widely used for weight loss. But there are risks.
Alongside headlines of dramatic transformations, there are reports of an increased risk of, for example, unwanted pregnancies following contraceptive failures or even suicidal thoughts.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications are drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes (and obesity).
How the expert writes Nial Wheateprofessor in the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University, in an article in , these drugs work by reducing blood sugar levels and reducing appetite.
The most common side effects of GLP-1 medicines are related to digestion: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, stomach pain and constipation. They tend to be mild and either disappear over time or become more tolerable.
However, the most worrying side effects lead Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) this week to issue new warnings about suicidal thoughts associated with them.
A 2024 study found a link between GLP-1 medications and a 106% increase in the risk of suicidal behavior.
An analysis of data from the World Health Organization also found a link between semaglutide use and suicidal thoughts.
The TGA recommends that if you are taking GLP-1 medicines, you should tell your doctor if you experience depression, suicidal thoughts, or any unusual changes in mood or behavior.
| NOTE: If you have suicidal thoughts, contact one of these Helplines | ||
|---|---|---|
| Line | Contacts | Time |
| Line 1411 SNS | 1411 | 24 hours |
| 213 544 545 – 912 802 669 – 963 524 660 | 3:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. | |
| 228 323 535 | 4:00 p.m.-12:00 p.m. | |
| 800 209 899 | 4:00 p.m.-12:00 p.m. | |
| 222 030 707 | 9:00 p.m.-12:00 p.m. | |
| All these lines guarantee the anonymity of the caller and the person answering. |
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WHO’s historic appeal
This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) finally released its recommendations on these drugs.
The body recommends that medicines be used in conjunction with other strategies, including counseling and continuous monitoring of patients by clinicians.
In statements to, Elaine Rush from Auckland University of Technology summarizes what the guide says: “Identifies the challenge of obesity and the need for further research. The recommendation is that intensive behavioral therapy and weekly counseling sessions are provided along with the medication.”
While the WHO has emphasized that governments and health systems need to make GLP-1 accessible to people with obesity, it has also noted that Medications alone are not a total solution for individuals nor, alone, a solution to a global health crisis.
