Weight-loss jabs can treat depression, research suggests

In the UK, the injections are licensed for those with a body mass index of 27 or more but they are tightly rationed by the NHS.

Around 500,000 people in Britain now estimated to be buying them privately, from high street chemists and online pharmacists, at a cost of between £120 and £250 a month.

Just one in 10 obese people who are eligible are currently able to get the drugs on the NHS.

Mental illnesses are associated with an increased risk of weight gain and type 2 diabetes.

Weight gain is also a common side effect of mood-altering drugs including antidepressants and antipsychotics, especially for individuals with severe mental illnesses who must take their medications indefinitely to reduce the risk of symptom relapse.

Prof Kamila Hawthorne, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said: “This research makes for interesting reading, and, as more research is conducted and published, it’s important that findings are considered as clinical guidelines for use of liraglutide, semaglutide and other weight loss medications are updated and developed.

“Millions of our patients struggle with both obesity and alcohol consumption, and both can have a serious impact on their health.

“There is clearly a lot of potential for weight loss drugs – which are still very new medications – to have wide-ranging benefits for patients, so it’s good to see research being undertaken to explore these.

“However, it’s also important that medical interventions aren’t seen as a silver bullet for either weight-loss or to suppress cravings for alcohol.

“As with any medication, they do not come without risk and can cause side-effects which range in seriousness. 

“It’s vital that patients have access to the holistic support and care that addresses the underlying reasons for their health problems, rather than relying on medical interventions alone.”

One randomised controlled trial involving 732 patients with type 2 diabetes but no pre-existing mental disorders showed those put on the jabs saw boosts in emotional health, positive feelings and a reduction in psychological distress.

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