GLP-1s and Your Mental Health

[Skidude]

I am very curious as to how GLP-1s and other peptides commonly used can affect mental health.
In a quick search I was able to find some data via google, then I asked AI and received the following information.
What can you contribute to this thought project?

GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists) are primarily used for managing blood sugar levels, particularly in type 2 diabetes, and are gaining attention for weight loss. There's some emerging research exploring their impact on mental health, although the evidence isn't fully conclusive yet.

Some studies suggest that GLP-1s may have a positive effect on mood and mental well-being. This could be due to their influence on appetite regulation and weight loss, which might contribute to improved self-esteem and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety for some individuals. Additionally, GLP-1s may also have neuroprotective properties, possibly supporting brain health and cognitive function.

There have been studies exploring the neuroprotective effects of GLP-1 agonists, and some promising findings have emerged. GLP-1 receptors are present in several regions of the brain, and this has led researchers to investigate how GLP-1s could impact neurological function, including in the context of conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Here are some key points from the research:

1. Neuroprotection: GLP-1s are thought to have neuroprotective properties, potentially reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, which are factors linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Some animal studies have shown that GLP-1 agonists can promote brain cell survival and protect against neurodegeneration.
2. Cognitive Function: Some clinical studies suggest that GLP-1s may improve cognitive function, especially in people with cognitive impairments related to diabetes. This is still a developing area of research, but there's evidence suggesting that GLP-1 might have a positive effect on learning and memory.
3. Mood and Depression: There’s also growing interest in how GLP-1s could help with mood disorders like depression, especially in people with obesity and diabetes. The weight loss and improved blood sugar control associated with GLP-1s might indirectly improve mood. Additionally, some studies indicate that GLP-1s could have direct antidepressant-like effects.
4. Parkinson's Disease: Some early-phase clinical trials and animal studies suggest that GLP-1 agonists may help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease, potentially by protecting dopamine-producing neurons, which are affected in this condition.

OTHER DATA

Alleviation of Depression by Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Through the Regulation of Neuroinflammation, Neurotransmitters, Neurogenesis, and Synaptic Function - PMC

Depression has emerged as a major cause of mortality globally. Many studies have reported risk factors and mechanisms associated with depression, but it is as yet unclear how these findings can be applied to the treatment and prevention of this ...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

JAMA Psychiatry. Published online May 14, 2025 Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and Mental Health A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

 

[keangkong]

I suspect that significant weight loss will make most people happier, at least in the short term. Occasionally, a person who blamed a huge number of their problems on being overweight will become upset when having lost weight, the person still feels the same way. I confess that I read some stories of people losing signfiicant amount of weight and having people start acting nicer to them; I was hoping that would happen to me but people treat me about the same as they always have.

 

[Skidude]

I suspect that significant weight loss will make most people happier, at least in the short term. Occasionally, a person who blamed a huge number of their problems on being overweight will become upset when having lost weight, the person still feels the same way. I confess that I read some stories of people losing signfiicant amount of weight and having people start acting nicer to them; I was hoping that would happen to me but people treat me about the same as they always have.

An argument could be made that the sheer act of self improvement is a pre-cursor to improved mental health. I would add the benefits of "feeling" better would also contribute to improved mental outlook.
I am more interested in the chemical side and GLP-1s impact.

Anecdotally, I feel different, and not just as a result of changing my body. I "feel" like there is more to it than that.

I am curious if others have had this reaction?
I for one have battled with being motivated and maintaining a positive outlook in the past, and undoubtedly have displayed some depressive behaviors. But, it seems to have improved.

The National Institute of health article, linked on the original post, had this to say:

GLP-1 is also thought to play an important role in glucose metabolism and neuronal function, including synaptic plasticity and neuronal metabolism, in the brain (Holscher, 2012). One study demonstrated that overexpression of GLP-1R in the hippocampus leads to an improvement in memory function (McClean and Holscher, 2014; Hansen et al., 2015). Microglia are also known to secrete GLP-1(Kappe et al., 2012). Furthermore, the activity of GLP-1 secreting neurons is regulated by the glucose level (Parker et al., 2010; Kappe et al., 2013).

A recent study demonstrated that GLP-1 has a neurotrophic effect and promotes neurotrophic processes in the brain (Mainardi et al., 2015). Robinson et al. demonstrated that a mixture of GLP-1 agonists boosts memory and improves insulin action in the brain (Robinson et al., 2019). Exendin-4, a stable synthetic form of GLP-1, is commonly used clinically for diabetes treatment because GLP-1 has a short half-life (Drucker and Nauck, 2006; Heppner et al., 2015b). Furthermore, exendin-4 can cross the blood-brain barrier (Kastin and Akerstrom, 2003) and has a neuroprotective role in some neurological disorders (Holscher, 2010; Candeias et al., 2015). Clinically, GLP-1 analogs have been developed to treat diabetes and obesity, given that they have beneficial effects on blood glucose control and on the cardiovascular system. Liraglutide is a GLP-1 analog used in clinically obese patients for reducing body weight (Crane and McGowan, 2016). The effects of weight loss were observed upon daily liraglutide injection (Mora and Johnson, 2017), oral administration of liraglutide (3 mg) (Manigault and Thurston, 2016), and subcutaneous treatment of liraglutide for 20 weeks (1.2 to 3 mg) (Astrup et al., 2009). An interesting study also showed that oral administration of GLP-1 could reduce depression risk caused by hyperglycemia in a patient with type 2 diabetes (Onoviran et al., 2019).

 

[cldfront]

My experience seems like common sense/as expected and related to a substantial (from morbidly obese to just normal overweight at this point) weight loss experience instead of specifically to the method of weight loss/Glp1. If there is a mental health component chemically related to my medication it seems to me that it is insignificant compared with the interior and exterior changes related to weight loss in general as a factor. I'd say this is my list, on reflection:

*initial euphoria/joy that it works and my biggest problem in life has been solved

*angst about no longer being able to 'eat my feelings' and having to deal with anger/frustration/disappointment by actually feeling these things

*bummer/depressive realization that my biggest problem in life was solved and yet, I am still me, and life is still lifey

*anger/sadness around how people (both strangers and loved ones) in my life treat me now (better) that I am smaller - I recognize I am somewhat reactionary/side-eye about this currently

*significant fear around being visible - the greatest benefit of being significantly overweight was my invisibility and The People are relentlessly mentioning how I look, which means they are looking at me, which makes me extremely uncomfortable

*pride/happiness/hope for the future around my improved health + ability to function much more freely in the world, with improved vitality, and ability to fit into both standard clothing and seating as a normal sized person

 

[Skidude]

My experience seems like common sense/as expected and related to a substantial (from morbidly obese to just normal overweight at this point) weight loss experience instead of specifically to the method of weight loss/Glp1. If there is a mental health component chemically related to my medication it seems to me that it is insignificant compared with the interior and exterior changes related to weight loss in general as a factor. I'd say this is my list, on reflection:

I am in touch with the emotion on many things in this list, I found it interesting, when digging, that there were many people that shared these positive AND negative feelings. I have followed in those same footsteps, for the most part, although I have had minimal negative "feelings", they do exist.

This in particular: "*angst about no longer being able to 'eat my feelings' and having to deal with anger/frustration/disappointment by actually feeling these things"

If, in fact, there is a psychotropic effect from the GLP-1s, does it mitigate the root cause of overeating/obesity?

Have you had any luck dealing with that part of the process?

 

[Bettyannboop]

Sometimes, it’s almost as if one wants to admit that being fat can make you sad and being sad can make you fat.

While we’re here, is it a good time for me to admit that being fat is the root to many of my problems? Physical and mental. I’m sure it all works in tandem as your research has presented, however, the reason I’ve stayed in the position and never took things as seriously as I could’ve is because people around me talked me out of changing. I’m an adult now with much more autonomy but more weight and depression as well. Thank God for a place like this full of realists.

 

[Calm Logic]

GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists) are primarily used for managing blood sugar levels, particularly in type 2 diabetes, and are gaining attention for weight loss. There's some emerging research exploring their impact on mental health, although the evidence isn't fully conclusive yet.

Some studies suggest that GLP-1s may have a positive effect on mood and mental well-being. This could be due to their influence on appetite regulation and weight loss, which might contribute to improved self-esteem and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety for some individuals. Additionally, GLP-1s may also have neuroprotective properties, possibly supporting brain health and cognitive function.

There have been studies exploring the neuroprotective effects of GLP-1 agonists, and some promising findings have emerged. GLP-1 receptors are present in several regions of the brain, and this has led researchers to investigate how GLP-1s could impact neurological function, including in the context of conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Here are some key points from the research:

1. Neuroprotection: GLP-1s are thought to have neuroprotective properties, potentially reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, which are factors linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Some animal studies have shown that GLP-1 agonists can promote brain cell survival and protect against neurodegeneration.
2. Cognitive Function: Some clinical studies suggest that GLP-1s may improve cognitive function, especially in people with cognitive impairments related to diabetes. This is still a developing area of research, but there's evidence suggesting that GLP-1 might have a positive effect on learning and memory.
3. Mood and Depression: There’s also growing interest in how GLP-1s could help with mood disorders like depression, especially in people with obesity and diabetes. The weight loss and improved blood sugar control associated with GLP-1s might indirectly improve mood. Additionally, some studies indicate that GLP-1s could have direct antidepressant-like effects.
4. Parkinson's Disease: Some early-phase clinical trials and animal studies suggest that GLP-1 agonists may help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease, potentially by protecting dopamine-producing neurons, which are affected in this condition.

OTHER DATA

Alleviation of Depression by Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Through the Regulation of Neuroinflammation, Neurotransmitters, Neurogenesis, and Synaptic Function - PMC

Depression has emerged as a major cause of mortality globally. Many studies have reported risk factors and mechanisms associated with depression, but it is as yet unclear how these findings can be applied to the treatment and prevention of this ...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

JAMA Psychiatry. Published online May 14, 2025 Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and Mental Health A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Certainly, anything good for the body, like something anti-inflammatory like regular exercise, is good for the brain, and therefore can, to varying degrees, benefit one's mental health.

You can always test your mental health by reading depressing quotes:

“The pleasure of remembering had been taken from me, because there was no longer anyone to remember with. It felt like losing your co-rememberer meant losing the memory itself, as if the things we'd done were less real and important than they had been hours before.”

― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

So if that was a downer, raise tirz by 2.5 mg, or other GLPs as appropriate. I'm being tongue-in-cheek, of course, except to say so many things about mental health are hard to quantify or even focus on given the complexity and interdependence of everything, and, as @cldfront said, "life is still lifey."

So a zen-like trend since Ancient Greece has been to focus on cognitive flexibility (or cognitive function mentioned above), rather than just some of the more obvious mood symptoms of anxiety, depression, etc. But then it may seem we are just thinking machines, so the pendulum swings again (like from cognitive behavior therapy back to psychodynamic or person-centered therapy).

Anyway, the ability to cope can be helped by GLPs since anything that benefits the body and brain overall can help with cognitive flexibility, which is one of the most important coping factors.

The good thing about a psychodynamic approach (or Buddhist psychology) is that you are more open to the duality of everything, and the difficulty in quantifying anything can lead to acceptance. I've been a psychology nerd my whole adult life, but my favorite psychologist is Michael Eigen, who is from the psychodynamic perspective:

"How to confess we are at a loss what to do with ourselves, with all we are and have been given, with all we can do?! We are like babies who have not yet developed frames of reference that do justice to experience, this sense of being, streams not only of sensations, but infinities of worlds within and without."

"Freud calls the dream ‘the other space.’ Sometimes I feel it as a talking from the heart, from another space within you. It is like a trance of reaching out of yourself."

“We are fractured and whole all at once."

― Michael Eigen

 

[cldfront]

I am in touch with the emotion on many things in this list, I found it interesting, when digging, that there were many people that shared these positive AND negative feelings. I have followed in those same footsteps, for the most part, although I have had minimal negative "feelings", they do exist.

This in particular: "*angst about no longer being able to 'eat my feelings' and having to deal with anger/frustration/disappointment by actually feeling these things"

If, in fact, there is a psychotropic effect from the GLP-1s, does it mitigate the root cause of overeating/obesity?

Have you had any luck dealing with that part of the process?

I'm not sure if I'm answering your question in the way you intended, but for me, I don't think the Glp1s have any lessening effect on wanting to escape feelings. It's more of an 'oh, I can't do that now' that required what feels like an immediate maturing of my emotional process. Not that I was immature, and not that I didn't wholeheartedly try 1000 programs to learn this prior to the magic meds coming into my life. TBH, I'm still sorting it out - not the emotional eating part, but the part where I spent decades trying to stop emotional eating. Maybe I only ever wanted to want to stop? Anyway. Self-reflection is hard.

 

[cldfront]

But then it may seem we are just thinking machines, so the pendulum swings again (like from cognitive behavior therapy back to psychodynamic or person-centered therapy).

Your post reminds me of one of my favorite Whitman quotes - "Do I contradict myself? Very well then, I contradict myself. I am large, I contain multitudes"

 

[Skidude]

I'm not sure if I'm answering your question in the way you intended, but for me, I don't think the Glp1s have any lessening effect on wanting to escape feelings. It's more of an 'oh, I can't do that now' that required what feels like an immediate maturing of my emotional process. Not that I was immature, and not that I didn't wholeheartedly try 1000 programs to learn this prior to the magic meds coming into my life. TBH, I'm still sorting it out - not the emotional eating part, but the part where I spent decades trying to stop emotional eating. Maybe I only ever wanted to want to stop? Anyway. Self-reflection is hard.

I am less looking for answers and more looking for feedback, there is no wrong answer and even the question has flexibility.

There is an argument that I wasn't asking it right; if that was the case.

GLP-1 = reduced food noise
Does GLP-1 = reduced mind noise/increased mindfulness?
Is it due to a chemical reaction and not purely environmental.

PS: I love all the answers!

 

[Peptelligence]

I am very curious as to how GLP-1s and other peptides commonly used can affect mental health.
In a quick search I was able to find some data via google, then I asked AI and received the following information.
What can you contribute to this thought project?

GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists) are primarily used for managing blood sugar levels, particularly in type 2 diabetes, and are gaining attention for weight loss. There's some emerging research exploring their impact on mental health, although the evidence isn't fully conclusive yet.

Some studies suggest that GLP-1s may have a positive effect on mood and mental well-being. This could be due to their influence on appetite regulation and weight loss, which might contribute to improved self-esteem and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety for some individuals. Additionally, GLP-1s may also have neuroprotective properties, possibly supporting brain health and cognitive function.

There have been studies exploring the neuroprotective effects of GLP-1 agonists, and some promising findings have emerged. GLP-1 receptors are present in several regions of the brain, and this has led researchers to investigate how GLP-1s could impact neurological function, including in the context of conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Here are some key points from the research:

1. Neuroprotection: GLP-1s are thought to have neuroprotective properties, potentially reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, which are factors linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Some animal studies have shown that GLP-1 agonists can promote brain cell survival and protect against neurodegeneration.
2. Cognitive Function: Some clinical studies suggest that GLP-1s may improve cognitive function, especially in people with cognitive impairments related to diabetes. This is still a developing area of research, but there's evidence suggesting that GLP-1 might have a positive effect on learning and memory.
3. Mood and Depression: There’s also growing interest in how GLP-1s could help with mood disorders like depression, especially in people with obesity and diabetes. The weight loss and improved blood sugar control associated with GLP-1s might indirectly improve mood. Additionally, some studies indicate that GLP-1s could have direct antidepressant-like effects.
4. Parkinson's Disease: Some early-phase clinical trials and animal studies suggest that GLP-1 agonists may help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease, potentially by protecting dopamine-producing neurons, which are affected in this condition.

OTHER DATA

Alleviation of Depression by Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Through the Regulation of Neuroinflammation, Neurotransmitters, Neurogenesis, and Synaptic Function - PMC

Depression has emerged as a major cause of mortality globally. Many studies have reported risk factors and mechanisms associated with depression, but it is as yet unclear how these findings can be applied to the treatment and prevention of this ...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

JAMA Psychiatry. Published online May 14, 2025 Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and Mental Health A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

I’m not the least bit surprised by these findings. These medications have long been a transformative tool for so many. At a fundamental level, when you feel your best and look your best, every other area of life tends to align with that energy. Thanks for sharing! This was a genuinely interesting read.

 

[Pinmebaby1moretime]

So I’ve shared this before but I had a pregnancy loss earlier this year and it broke my heart. I was very depressed and one lb away from being obese thanks to the pregnancy and the therapist I was seeing opened up about her being on tirzepatide and how it changed her life. She said several of her patients and friends have had "ozempic babies"- a well known phenomenon where women with years of infertility issues all of the sudden had to stop their GLPs because they miraculously got pregnant. Found posts on Reddit that had similar sentiments.

Tirzepatide made me extremely productive- it gave me hope that things can change. I started living life again as I was seeing the number on the scale come down and as I was feeling better from simply working out a smidge more. I don’t know if it affected my mood directly or if the change was encouraging, I’m thankful for it nonetheless!

Now I’m on Reta. I’m hoping to be the first to report back here about "Reta babies" later this year.

If anyone else is reading this and interested in fertility benefits, look into peptide blends that have the MIC blend included- I took choline and inositol orally but I’m getting a lipo-c blend with it included soon!

 

[Skidude]

So I’ve shared this before but I had a pregnancy loss earlier this year and it broke my heart. I was very depressed and one lb away from being obese thanks to the pregnancy and the therapist I was seeing opened up about her being on tirzepatide and how it changed her life. She said several of her patients and friends have had "ozempic babies"- a well known phenomenon where women with years of infertility issues all of the sudden had to stop their GLPs because they miraculously got pregnant. Found posts on Reddit that had similar sentiments.

Tirzepatide made me extremely productive- it gave me hope that things can change. I started living life again as I was seeing the number on the scale come down and as I was feeling better from simply working out a smidge more. I don’t know if it affected my mood directly or if the change was encouraging, I’m thankful for it nonetheless!

Now I’m on Reta. I’m hoping to be the first to report back here about "Reta babies" later this year.

If anyone else is reading this and interested in fertility benefits, look into peptide blends that have the MIC blend included- I took choline and inositol orally but I’m getting a lipo-c blend with it included soon!

I am sorry for what you went through and the loss you are dealing with. I am glad you found a way to deal with these things and are on the road to a brighter future! Maybe you will be in one of those Reta articles 🙂

Here is a good ol' country song for you!

 

[Pinmebaby1moretime]

I am sorry for what you went through and the loss you are dealing with. I am glad you found a way to deal with these things and are on the road to a brighter future! Maybe you will be in one of those Reta articles 🙂

Here is a good ol' country song for you!

Y’all are too sweet, that song made me tear up! Definitely relatable and encouraging!

I love this place ❤️

 

[RiYelir]

I created an account specifically to reply to this thread with my own anecdotal experience, and I can finally post outside the intro section.

I have been diagnosed with OCD ("pure O" variety so mostly internal self soothing ticks no outwardly visible ticks such as hand washing/door knob touching) and anxiety. Over the years I have done all sorts of therapy and taken all sorts of medications to deal with my OCD and anxiety with varying success of varying durations.

Since starting a GLP-1, GIP, Glucagon agonist I have noticed marked improvements in both. OCD intrusive thoughts and generalized anxiety symptoms reduced by 75% (rough estimate). It has been a fascinating and welcome side effect.

Edit to add: Reflecting on my mental state after making this post, I have also noticed reduced depression symptoms as well. All of these improvements were noticeable within the first 3 weeks of starting on what is considered a "beginning" dosage.