Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and Mental Health

People with obesity and diabetes have poorer psychiatric and cognitive outcomes and lower quality of life (QOL) compared with those without. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) are treatments for diabetes and obesity that may also influence psychiatric outcomes.

To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials to evaluate psychiatric, cognitive, and QOL outcomes with GLP1-RA treatment. Data Sources: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL databases were searched from inception through June 24, 2024. Study Selection: Double-blind placebo-controlled trials comparing GLP1-RA to placebo in adults with overweight/obesity and/or diabetes, reporting on psychiatric, cognition, or QOL outcomes, were included. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Data extraction was performed in parallel by 2 reviewers. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Effect size measures were log risk ratios (log[RR]) and standardized mean differences (Hedges g). The quality of studies was appraised using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB2). Certainty of evidence was assessed via GRADEpro. Main Outcomes and Measures: Main outcomes were risk of psychiatric adverse events (serious and nonserious) and change in mental health symptom severity, health-related quality of life, and cognition.