GLP-1s and Mental Health: The Upsides and the Trade-Offs

Mass use of GLP-1s is still relatively new, so it can feel like we’re learning something new about these medications every day. Anecdotal reports suggest their effects may extend beyond weight loss, ranging from reduced addictive tendencies to hair loss. While it’s still too early to fully confirm or rule out links between GLP-1s and these reported side effects, we can look at what’s known so far to make more informed decisions.

Some GLP-1 users have reported shifts in their mental health, but the explanation isn’t always straightforward. Is it the medication itself, or the changes it brings about? According to experts, the latter appears more likely. “The connection between how we feel physically and mentally is profound,” says New York endocrinologist and senior medical advisor for Found, Rekha Kumar, MD. “GLP-1 medications can create meaningful ripple effects for mental well-being—not by treating mental health conditions directly, but by helping patients feel more at ease in their bodies.”

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Additionally, “changes in weight and metabolic health can improve energy levels, sleep quality, physical comfort and overall functioning, which all play a role in mood and emotional regulation,” notes psychologist, NYU School of Medicine professor and author of When Life Happens, Rachel Goldman.

Ahead, we’re diving deeper into how these indirect effects can show up in daily life—and where the limitations remain.

Featured Experts

• Rekha Kumar, MD is an endocrinologist in New York and senior medical advisor for Found
• Dr. Rachel Goldman is a psychologist, NYU School of Medicine professor and author of When Life Happens
• Eduardo Grunvald, MD is an internist and obesity medicine specialist in San Diego, CA

GLP-1s Can Have an Indirect Benefit on Mental Health

In clinical practice, these broader changes can translate into meaningful psychological relief for some patients. “Generally, weight reduction from GLP-1 drugs leads to increased self-esteem, improved psychosocial functioning, less depression and anxiety—especially if situational from weight and health concerns—and in many cases increased productivity and reduced absenteeism and presenteeism,” says San Diego internist and obesity specialist Eduardo Grunvald, MD.

Dr. Goldman adds another commonly reported effect: “When food noise quiets, decision fatigue around eating can decrease, which may reduce anxiety and preoccupation for individuals who have spent years in a constant mental battle with food. Further, when that food noise quiets, many people notice they have more mental space and energy for other areas of their lives. Additionally, improvements in physical health, sleep, energy, mobility, etc. can support mood and overall well-being.”

Physiological changes may also play a role. Dr. Kumar adds that “For some people, more stable blood sugar and insulin levels can also translate into a steadier, more even mood.”

In her work with Found members, Dr. Kumar reports that many “describe finally feeling present at social events instead of fixating on food, or looking in the mirror with kindness rather than criticism or feeling confident enough to play with their personal style for the first time in a long time.”

At the same time, experts stress important boundaries around these benefits. “In patients who have diagnosed major depression and other psychiatric disorders, it is less clear how much there is a benefit directly from the medications,” says Dr. Grunvald.

Ultimately, the mental health effects of GLP-1s aren’t one-size-fits-all. “GLP-1s’ impact on mental health varies widely, and any benefits tend to come from broader changes in well-being rather than the medication directly treating anxiety or depression,” says Dr. Goldman. Dr. Kumar emphasizes that “everyone’s journey is unique, which is why personalized clinical support is essential—and why GLP-1s complement, but never replace, dedicated mental health care.”

GLP-1s and Mental Health Risks

While positive correlations between mental health and GLP-1s have been reported, the opposite has also been observed. Dr. Goldman says it’s important to emphasize that responses to the medication vary widely. “Post-marketing reports have raised some concerns regarding increased risk of suicidal thoughts, but studies have failed to link strong associations,” says Dr. Grunvald. “I have had a very small number of patients where there was a correlation between GLP-1 medications and suicidal thoughts, but I could probably count them on one hand,” he says. The FDA removed the notice of suicidal ideation risk on GLP-1 drugs as of this month.

Could GLP-1s Be a Beneficial Tool for Those Struggling With Their Mental Health?

“There is no research at this time indicating that GLP-1s are a treatment tool specifically for mental health. Any benefit is usually indirect, through improvements in physical well-being, energy, sleep and reduced mental load,” says Dr. Goldman. She emphasizes that “they’re not appropriate for everyone and should not be a replacement for psychological care.”

“The key is understanding that medication is one powerful tool within an integrated, personalized approach,” says Dr. Kumar. “They can be transformative for individuals whose mental health is intertwined with their relationship to food and body image—but outcomes are deeply personal, which is why clinical partnership matters.” Dr. Goldman agrees, “Psychological support and individualized care, which includes an interdisciplinary care team, is essential.”