Latest news with #KennethBlum
NDTV
26-04-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Ozempic's Impact On Brain Chemistry May Influence Depression Risk: Study
Researchers have discovered a possible connection between popular weight loss medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, and brain changes that may lead to depression. These medications, known as GLP-1 drugs, mimic a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. However, studies suggest they may also affect parts of the brain related to dopamine, a chemical linked to feelings of pleasure and reward. According to the research that was published in the journal Current Neuropharmacology, GLP-1 drugs may disrupt dopamine levels, potentially leading to depression and suicidal thoughts in individuals with low dopamine function. While these medications show promise in treating obesity and diabetes, further investigation is needed to understand their potential impact on mental health. As per a news release, the study, led by researchers across the United States, Brazil, Iran, and Israel, demonstrates that while GLP1 agonists benefit individuals with hyperdopaminergia (excess dopamine activity), they may have harmful effects on individuals with hypodopaminergia (low dopamine function). The authors found genetic associations between GLP1 receptor agonists and genes such as DRD3, BDNF, and CREB1, which are implicated in mood regulation and reward pathways. Their findings suggest that chronic use of these drugs could dysregulate dopamine signalling, potentially leading to depressive symptoms, mood disturbances, and SI. Cautionary Voices from Experts While the idea of GLP-1 agonism induction of depression and SI is controversial with both negative and positive reporting, based on the evidence presented in this article by Alireza Sharafshah, a PhD candidate from the Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran, the authors caution against promoting chronic stimulation via GLP-1 agonists. "This study should not be ignored, despite the hype surrounding the positive clinical outcomes of GLP-1 receptor agonists," said senior author Dr Kenneth Blum, research professor at Western University Health Sciences and Ariel University. "We urge the clinical prescribing community to proceed with caution to avoid another tragic wave of 'people dying to lose weight'." Dr Mark S Gold, an addiction psychiatry pioneer and co-author, emphasised, "The paper provides critical evidence for re-evaluating the widespread use of GLP1 receptor agonists. The FDA and other regulatory agencies should carefully consider our findings when it comes to labelling and monitoring these drugs."
Metro
25-04-2025
- Health
- Metro
Mass study reveals alarming new side effects of Ozempic-style weight loss drugs
From 'Ozempic face' to 'Ozempic fingers' and even 'Wegovy butt,' the potential side effects of weight loss medications have been well-documented. But now, a new study has revealed yet another troubling by-product of the drug – and this time, it's not physical, but mental. The research found a link between weight loss drugs and an increase in both depression and suicidal ideation. Put simply, GLP1 drugs – which are often called GLP1 agonists – are used in weight loss drugs like Ozempic. These mimic the hormones the body releases when we consume food, triggering the pancreas to release insulin and convert the sugar in our bloodstream into energy. Published in Current Neuropharmacology, the study explains that while these drugs can prove helpful for brains that produce too much dopamine (often called the 'feel-good hormone' that makes us feel pleasure), for those who naturally run on too little, it might cause more harm than good. So, why is this? It's all because when used regularly, these drugs can actually disrupt the production of dopamine, which can then lead to symptoms of depression, mood swings, and thoughts of suicide. The authors have warned that their findings should be taken seriously, as senior author Dr. Kenneth Blum, research professor at Western University Health Sciences and Ariel University, urged 'the clinical prescribing community to proceed with caution to avoid another tragic wave of 'people dying to lose weight.'' Dr Mark S. Gold, addiction psychiatry pioneer and co-author, even believes that it should be considered enough to 're-evaluate the widespread use of GLP1 receptor agonists.' 'The FDA and other regulatory agencies should carefully consider our findings when it comes to labelling and monitoring these drugs,' he added. Of course, some patients do report more pros than cons. Amanda Strowbridge struggled with her body image after she started going through the menopause in 2019, when she says she put 'more and more' weight on. After considering her options, in November 2023, she decided to put herself forward for Wegovy. Filling out the consultation form through Boots Pharmacy, she quickly received her first prescription. Amanda decided to start her own Instagram account to document her own weight loss journey. It was here that she soon connected with other people on a similar pathway. 'Because of the algorithm, other people on weight-loss drugs started coming up on my feed,' Amanda, who is 55, previously told Metro. 'There are so many nuances, twists and turns along the way and it seems that people who are ahead of others are 'paying forward' their experiences to help others.' Amanda also says there is a wonderful sense of 'camaraderie' among her friends, which makes a change from the feelings of shame people often feel when using weight loss jabs, or are trolled for being 'lazy.' 'As a community, I think we rise above any of these comments as we're too busy looking after our health,' she explains. 'Once people who have been trying to lose weight for years finally find something that works and is helping them, they feel empowered and don't really care what others think.' This isn't the first study to warn of the potential impact of weight loss injections on mental health. Research revealed that between January 2021 and May 2023, 481 psychiatric events were associated with not only semaglutide, but also other similar drugs liraglutide and tirzepatide, often sold as Mounjaro. Around half of the effects recorded included depression, followed by anxiety, while 20% experienced thoughts relating to suicide, according to research published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy. As our understanding of weight loss injections has deepened, those taking the drugs have increasingly shared their experiences taking them. Over the last few years, prescriptions for weight loss medications have skyrocketed – and they've become so popular that earlier this month, WeightWatchers announced it was filing for bankruptcy after failing to compete against the rise of 'quick-fix' weight loss tools. 50,000 people in the UK are currently taking either Mounjaro or Wegovy, according to Simple Online Pharmacy, with data from Oushk Pharmacy further revealing that Gen Z is leading the surge in weight loss injections. As Dr Adil Sheraz, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, previously told Metro, one phenomenon colloquially termed 'Ozempic face' refers to 'sagging, ageing and lacklustre appearance of the facial skin and structures.' Dr Paul Jarrod Frank, a dermatologist in New York thought to have coined the phrase, told the New York Times that he'd started seeing Ozempic face 'every day' since these drugs hit the mainstream. 'The face has a layer of fat that essentially stretches the skin. Ozempic results in rapid weight loss and does so very effectively. This, of course, will lead to rapid loss of subcutaneous (under the skin) facial fat,' Dr Adil further explained. 'The overlying skin however will not be able to shrink at the same rate, resulting in a sagging, droopy and wrinkled appearance.' That's not all. Though these symptoms aren't necessarily specific to taking semaglutide (it can happen with any case of rapid weight loss), people using the drug have also coined the term 'Wegovy Butt,' which refers to people's bums getting smaller, saggier and more deflated. More Trending Others have shared their experiences of so-called 'Ozempic finger,' which is essentially just rapid weight loss around the fingers and wrists, causing people's jewellery to slip off. Novo Nordisk, which manufactures Ozempic, previously told Metro that it couldn't comment on the side effects caused by people using Ozempic off-label, and not for its intended purposes. 'Regarding safety, the most common adverse events among people treated with Ozempic (semaglutide) for its indicated use, are gastrointestinal events including nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting,' a spokesperson said. View More » 'Most events were transient, and mild or moderate in severity and resolved without permanent treatment discontinuation.' Put simply, Ozempic and Wegovy are both brand names – but they're both variations of a weight loss drug called semaglutide. Ozempic is patented to treat type 2 diabetes, improving blood sugar to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular incidents. The Ozempic guidelines outline that the drug – which is injected – 'may help you to lose some weight' but specifies that it is 'not for weight loss.' The same rules apply in the US. While Ozempic is used to treat type 2 diabetes, Wegovy – another form of the ingredient semaglutide, under a different name – it is also used to treat 'adults with obesity or excess weight who also have weight-related medical problems', its website reads. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I think Freddie Flintoff's facial scars look cool – they're just like mine MORE: The majority of people still think this female body part is 'unacceptable' MORE: I was 18 when my mum made me an embarrassing offer
NDTV
22-04-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Popular Weight Loss Drugs May Pose Mental Health Risks, Says New Study
Popular weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by mimicking the hormone incretin. GLP-1 receptor agonists are commonly prescribed for type-2 diabetes. These popular weight loss drugs may contribute to some common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain and fatigue. Vision loss, thyroid tumours, kidney problems, gallbladder issues and pancreatitis are some of the concerning side effects users may face. A new study has highlighted the mental health risks associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists. The study published in Current Neuropharmacology uncovers links between GLP-1 agonists and genes associated with mood regulation, depression, and suicidal ideation. The study also highlights that GLP-1 agonists may benefit some individuals with hyperdopaminergic (excess dopamine activity), but they could be harmful to those with hypodopaminergic (low dopamine function). These drugs affect genes such as DRD3, BDNF, and CREB1, which play key roles in mood and reward pathways. "Chronic use may disrupt dopamine signaling and increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts," researchers highlight. "This study should not be ignored, despite the hype surrounding the positive clinical outcomes of GLP1 receptor agonists," said senior author Dr. Kenneth Blum of Western University Health Sciences and Ariel University. "The paper provides critical evidence for reevaluating the widespread use of GLP1 receptor agonists. The FDA and other regulatory agencies should carefully consider our findings when it comes to labeling and monitoring these drugs," Dr. Mark S. Gold, an addiction psychiatry pioneer and co-author, emphasized. For the unversed, these drugs mimic GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced in the gut when you eat and plays a role in regulating blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. It interacts with GLP-1 receptors in the brain, particularly in areas controlling hunger and satiety. This helps reduce appetite and increases the feeling of fullness after eating. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
India Today
21-04-2025
- Health
- India Today
Weight-loss drugs linked to poor mental health in new study
A new study has linked mental health risks associated with a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, commonly prescribed for type 2 receptor agonists are medicines that help lower blood sugar. They work by mimicking a natural hormone in the body that controls blood sugar and appetite. These drugs slow down digestion, help the body release the right amount of insulin, and make people feel full for developed to manage blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, GLP-1 agonists have gained popularity for their weight-reducing effects. Several popular drugs, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, contain compounds like semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are part of the GLP-1 receptor agonist these drugs have shown weight-loss effects, the study suggests that they could affect certain genes linked to findings raise serious concerns about the safety of these medications for some people, especially those with specific genetic study involved 24 researchers from institutions in the United States, Brazil, Iran, and Israel, who examined individuals with hypodopaminergia, a condition characterised by reduced dopamine activity in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, motivation, and reward pharmacogenomic analysis, the researchers investigated the interaction between GLP-1 receptor agonists and genes associated with dopamine signalling, including DRD3, BDNF, and findings indicate that GLP-1 receptor agonists may disrupt dopamine balance in certain individuals, particularly those with already existing problems in dopamine systems. This disruption may increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal experts have warned that the mental health risks linked to these medications should not be ignored. Senior author Dr. Kenneth Blum stressed the need for careful prescribing. "We urge the clinical prescribing community to proceed with caution to avoid another tragic wave of 'people dying to lose weight,'"Co-author of the study Dr. Mark S. Gold added that health authorities like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) should consider updating the warning labels on these drugs to reflect the new European Medicines Agency has already initiated a review of the safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists, following a rise in reports of psychiatric side response, the study's authors recommend a more personalised approach to prescribing these medications. This could include genetic testing to help identify individuals who may be at greater these drugs remain effective for managing weight and blood sugar levels, the researchers highlighted the importance of regular mental health Watch
