A new study reveals that obese adolescents treated with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1R) had a significantly lower risk of suicidal ideation or attempts compared to those receiving only lifestyle interventions.
Summary: Research published in JAMA Pediatrics suggests GLP1R drugs used for obesity treatment may have protective effects against suicidal thoughts in teenagers, challenging previous concerns about these medications.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Researchers have uncovered a potential unexpected benefit of a popular class of weight loss medications. A study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that obese adolescents treated with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1R) had a 33% lower risk of suicidal ideation or attempts compared to those who received only lifestyle interventions.
Study Design and Key Findings
The research team, led by Dr. Liya Kerem and Dr. Joshua Stokar, conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic health records from 120 healthcare organizations, primarily in the United States. They analyzed data from 6,912 adolescents with obesity between December 2019 and June 2024.
Key findings include:
- Adolescents prescribed GLP1R had a 33% lower risk of suicidal ideation or attempts over 12 months of follow-up.
- The reduced risk was observed for up to 3 years of follow-up.
- The protective effect was consistent across subgroups, including different sexes, races, and ethnicities.
“Our findings revealed that people receiving naloxone from laypersons increased by 43.5% proving that public health efforts are working,” said Chris Gage, PhD student at the College of Public Health and corresponding author.
Implications for Obesity Treatment in Adolescents
This study’s results are particularly significant given the rising rates of obesity among adolescents and the increasing use of GLP1R drugs for weight management. The findings suggest that these medications may offer dual benefits: weight loss and potential protection against suicidal thoughts.
Dr. Kerem stated, “These results suggest a favorable psychiatric safety profile of GLP1R in adolescents.” She added, “The detected reduction in hazard ratios for suicidal ideation among adolescents with obesity prescribed GLP1R suggests potential avenues for future research.”
Challenging Previous Concerns
The study’s findings challenge previous concerns about GLP1R drugs and mental health. In July 2023, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced an investigation into the potential association between GLP1R treatment and suicidality. However, this new research suggests that, at least in adolescents, these medications may have a protective effect.
Limitations and Future Research
While the study’s results are promising, the authors caution that the observational nature of their research prevents drawing causal inferences. They emphasize the need for well-controlled, prospective studies to accurately assess medication compliance, dosages, and psychiatric outcomes.
The researchers also noted some limitations of their study, including:
- Reliance on electronic health records, which may not capture all instances of suicidal ideation.
- Potential healthy user bias or bias by indication due to existing FDA warnings.
- Inability to directly assess adherence to prescribed treatments.
Broader Implications for Public Health
This study’s findings have significant implications for public health strategies aimed at addressing both the obesity epidemic and mental health concerns in adolescents. If confirmed by further research, it could lead to changes in treatment guidelines and provide reassurance to healthcare providers and patients about the safety of GLP1R drugs.
Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
- What percentage lower risk of suicidal ideation or attempts did adolescents prescribed GLP1R have compared to the control group? a) 23% b) 33% c) 43% d) 53%
- How long was the primary follow-up period in this study? a) 6 months b) 12 months c) 24 months d) 36 months
- What was used as a negative control outcome in the study? a) Gastrointestinal symptoms b) Acute pancreatitis c) Upper respiratory tract infections d) Depression
Answers: 1. b) 33%, 2. b) 12 months, 3. c) Upper respiratory tract infections
Glossary of Terms
- GLP1R: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, a class of medications used for weight loss and diabetes treatment.
- Suicidal ideation: Thoughts about suicide or wanting to take one’s own life.
- Cohort study: A type of observational study that follows groups of individuals over time.
- Propensity score matching: A statistical technique used to reduce bias in observational studies.
- Hazard ratio: A measure of the effect of an intervention on an outcome of interest over time.
- Retrospective study: A study that looks back in time to examine exposures to suspected risk or protection factors in relation to an outcome.
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