A landmark study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that obese teenagers using semaglutide weight loss medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, may experience significant improvements in mental health, including a reduction in suicidal ideation and attempts. This research counters previous concerns regarding the potential for these drugs to induce suicidal thoughts in youth.
The study analyzed data from 4,000 obese participants aged 12 to 19 who were administered semaglutide, comparing their outcomes with 50,000 obese teens who received lifestyle therapy without medication. Over a 12-month follow-up, the group on Ozempic showed a 33 percent decrease in suicidal thoughts or actions, with this positive trend continuing through a three-year follow-up.
While the medication was associated with higher reports of gastrointestinal side effects, particularly diarrhea, the findings suggest that semaglutide may offer benefits beyond weight management. Dr. Riccardo De Giorgi from the University of Oxford noted that these results could indicate potential advantages in treating cognitive decline and substance misuse.
This research is particularly timely, as obesity rates among children have surged, quadrupling over the past four decades, according to the World Health Organization. In response, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended early and aggressive treatment for obese children, which may include medications or surgery.
Furthermore, a previous study highlighted that obese pre-teens exhibited lower cognitive function compared to their thinner peers, underscoring the complex relationship between weight, mental health, and cognitive abilities. Pediatric surgeon Jun Tashiro emphasized the importance of considering anti-obesity medications for overweight children, citing their potential to lower weight and reduce the risk of serious health conditions.