Semaglutide and Mental Health: Examining the Impact on Mood and Behavior
Contents
What is semaglutide?
Medication and mental health
Semaglutide and mental health
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Consult a healthcare practitioner
Achieve holistic wellness
Are you wondering about the connection between semaglutide and mental health?
Many people use this peptide to assist with diabetic conditions and aid in weight loss. As its usage increases, so does the interest in how semaglutide can affect an individual’s mood and behavior.
Continue reading to discover more about this peptide. You’ll also learn more about the link between semaglutide and mental health.
What is semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that mimics the natural hormone. The gut secretes GLP-1 in response to eating. It interacts with receptors throughout the body.
It has the following medical uses and benefits.
Assists with diabetes
Semaglutide stimulates insulin production when your blood sugar level is high.
This peptide is commonly used by diabetics to regulate blood glucose levels. You can administer it through a subcutaneous injection. Insulin should continue with GLP-1 to control your blood sugar levels.
Semaglutide also reduces the risks of developing illnesses associated with this condition.
Assists with weight loss
Besides benefiting those with diabetes, semaglutide assists with weight loss. An increased dosage interacts with the brain to inhibit your appetite.
While this peptide can help reduce your body mass, it’s not a cure for obesity. It’s recommended for those with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or more.
Those struggling with weight related illnesses, like high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels, can also benefit from semaglutide.
When using semaglutide for weight loss, it’s best done in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Maintaining a healthy body mass is a lifestyle and not a quick fix.
A study on weight loss in non-diabetics has shown that a reduction in mass is possible with semaglutide. It also observed that some users may regain the weight after stopping their intake, enhancing the importance of a proper diet and exercise regimen.
Formats and considerations
Semaglutide is available for prescription through the following FDA approved medications:
- Ozempic: Administered as an injection. Lowers blood sugar level in type 2 diabetes.
- Rybesus: Available as a tablet. Used to treat type 2 diabetes.
- Wegovy: Available as an injection. Administered weekly to assist adults and children older than 12 years with obesity. It helps people who are overweight and have related health conditions.
These medications on their own do not cure any issues. Users need to include exercise and a well-balanced diet. Each individual will react differently to this treatment.
Avoid semaglutide if you have any of the following conditions.
- Thyroid cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
Semaglutide may cause some side effects. Consult your doctor if any of them persist or worsen. Here are a few to consider before starting treatment.
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
Never combine medications. Always inform your physician of the drugs you’re currently taking. This information can prevent complications.
Medication and mental health
Using medication for a prolonged period may affect your health. These effects could include your mental wellness, too.
Combining various meds can negatively impact your mental health. Issues can also occur when using drugs with alcohol.
The longer you ingest certain meds, the higher the risk of addiction. Not adhering to the prescribed dosage also poses a risk. It could impact your cognitive function.
There are three categories of prescription medications. They can contribute to poor mental health if not used for their intended purpose.
- Opioids: Used as painkillers. They inhibit the brain from receiving pain messages.
- Central nervous system depressants: They slow down brain activity to ease anxiety and prevent panic attacks, creating a calmer state.
- Stimulants: They boost your energy and improve alertness and attention. Used to treat ADHD.
Certain meds can enhance existing mental conditions. This side effect is more prevalent in older individuals. The reason for this is the decline in your brain function as you age.
Medicine for colds, flu, allergies, and insomnia can also impair cognitive function. These products are all available over the counter, so it’s important to seek medical advice when purchasing them.
Semaglutide and mental health
Many believe semaglutide impairs your cognitive function, but there’s no proven link between this peptide and a decline in your mental health. Currently, there’s insufficient research to support this claim.
The connection between semaglutide and mental health is more important for those using it for weight loss. Some believe the “disconnect” from food can cause depression in certain individuals.
Since semaglutide affects the reward center of your brain, it doesn’t only relate to food. It can also affect your impulse control, influencing what you crave, desire, or find pleasure in.
Not indulging in things that bring you comfort can contribute to a low mood. Without relevant research or studies, the claim is anecdotal.
There are various reports linking semaglutide to anxiety and depression. They’re mostly from individuals who use this peptide for weight loss. The claims still need more investigation to confirm the cause.
One study found a connection to mental health. After observing two participants, researchers discovered signs of depression. They became visible one month after the participants started using semaglutide.
These results still didn’t prove sufficient. There was no definitive relationship highlighted between semaglutide and the participants’ mood. It confirmed a need for more studies, as other factors could have caused the condition.
Another clinical trial monitored Wegovy patients on antidepressants without any anti-anxiety meds. These results were also inconclusive and found no direct link between semaglutide and mental health.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
A lifestyle change should accompany peptide therapy for weight loss. Medication alone can’t solve obesity or an overweight condition.
Some patients report regaining the lost weight once they stop using semaglutide. Practicing a healthy lifestyle can minimize this problem.
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can significantly improve the outcome of your weight loss goals. Long-term practices ensure consistency.
Whether or not you’re on chronic medication, your mental well-being is important. Consider the following options to maintain good psychological health.
Exercise
Remaining active can support weight loss and elevate your mood. It’s a known anti-anxiety treatment. Exercise can also break the cycle of stress.
It releases endorphins in the brain, improving your emotional state. The physical movement allows your muscles to relax and releases unwanted tension.
Exercising outdoors, like walking or hiking, has positive effects on your mental state. Breathing in fresh air and being in nature can generate positive emotions.
Balanced diet
Eating healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods is good for you. These items help keep your heart and mind healthy.
Proteins contain amino acids, which your brain uses to regulate your mood. Include a healthy amount in your daily diet plan.
Increase your water intake to assist with weight loss. Avoid caffeine, as it can trigger anxiety.
Talk therapy
Talk therapy helps you uncover hidden triggers for your depression or anxiety.
An expert teaches you ways to deal with stress and daily challenges that may arise. Talking with someone can help you find healing if you’ve been dealing with anxiety for a while.
Consult a healthcare practitioner
It’s vital to consult a doctor before using semaglutide and when experiencing any side effects. These changes include your mental health.
Medical advice could include reducing the dosage and then gradually increasing it. It can also mean stopping the medication until your mental health improves. Once your condition stabilizes, you can restart again.
At LIVV Natural, we recommend a low dosage to start, followed by a gradual increase after four weeks.
Your doctor will also know whether you need psychological help. It’s advisable to consult a physician who’s familiar with your medical history.
Achieve holistic wellness
Many believe there’s a direct link between semaglutide and mental health. For now, these claims are anecdotal, as there’s a lack of research to substantiate them.
As with any other medication, it’s wise to seek medical advice before and during treatment. Patients with existing medical conditions should take extra care.
You should report any change in your physical or mental well-being to your physician. Always adhere to the dosage and considerations that accompany semaglutide.
Maintaining a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle is also crucial for good mental health. It also helps you stay in shape and supports your well-being.
At LIVV Natural, our naturopathic doctors can help you achieve holistic wellness. Contact us to discover more about semaglutide and learn how to kick-start your peptide therapy.
Author: Dr. Jason Phan NMD – Founder of LIVV Natural – Anti-aging – regenerative medicine – peptide therapy
