Can Ozempic Cause Depression? What the Research Says

Written by: Rightangled Medical Team
Medically reviewed by: Rightangled Clinical Team
Reading time: 6 minutes

Short answer: Ozempic is not recognised as a cause of depression. Current research into semaglutide and mental health shows no consistently increased risk, although feelings of low mood can sometimes occur indirectly as a result of the physical changes that accompany weight loss.

The question of whether Ozempic can cause depression comes up regularly among people starting treatment with semaglutide - and understandably so. You're making a significant change to your body, and it's natural to want to know what to expect. At the same time, reports have circulated on social media from users who say they felt more low whilst taking the medication. So what does the evidence actually show? In this article, we look at what the current research says, which mechanisms may be involved, and when it's worth speaking to a doctor.

Is Depression a Known Side Effect of Ozempic?

No. Depression is not listed as a recognised side effect of Ozempic in its official product information. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) publishes the official product information for Ozempic, which sets out the most commonly reported side effects: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Psychiatric side effects, including depression, are not included as an established risk.

That said, in 2023 the EMA carried out a safety review following reports of depressive thoughts among GLP-1 users. That review did not result in any changes to the patient information leaflet.

What Does the Research Say About Semaglutide and Mental Health?

The scientific evidence in this area is nuanced, but broadly reassuring.

A systematic review by McIntyre and colleagues, published in Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, examined the risk of suicidality associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists and found no clear increased risk of suicidal behaviour based on the available evidence. A subsequent replication study looking at mood effects reached a similar conclusion, finding no consistent causal link between GLP-1 receptor agonist use and increased suicidal behaviour.

At the same time, a broader systematic review of GLP-1 medications and mental health paints a more complex picture. Arillotta and colleagues describe both beneficial effects on binge eating and depressive mood, alongside individual case reports of mood-related complaints. The underlying mechanism isn't yet fully understood, and the researchers note that more long-term data is needed. A more recent systematic review of psychiatric effects by Meshkat and colleagues similarly concludes that GLP-1 agonists may have a potentially beneficial effect on mood overall, but that vulnerable populations warrant closer attention.

A separate study involving people with obesity and heart failure also found that semaglutide was associated not only with weight loss but with improved mood and quality of life. This aligns with the broader, well-established observation that weight loss itself can have a positive effect on mental wellbeing.

Why Do Some Users Report Feeling Down Whilst Taking Ozempic?

Feeling low whilst taking Ozempic is thought to stem from several indirect causes rather than a direct pharmacological effect on mood.

Semaglutide acts on GLP-1 receptors in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus, which reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness. For many people, however, eating serves an emotional and social role beyond simple nutrition. Eating less can mean experiencing less pleasure from meals, reduced social interaction around food, or the loss of a familiar coping mechanism - any of which can contribute to a feeling of flatness or low mood without this amounting to clinical depression.

It's also worth noting that the weight loss process isn't always linear. Plateaus, alongside side effects such as nausea or fatigue, can understandably affect how you feel day to day.

Who Needs to Take Extra Care?

People with a history of depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric conditions should take extra care when starting semaglutide. This isn't because Ozempic causes depression, but because this group may be more sensitive to mood changes in general - including those linked to significant physical changes such as rapid weight loss.

The same applies to anyone currently taking antidepressants or other psychiatric medication: this should always be discussed with a doctor before starting treatment.

Official prescribing guidance does not list any psychiatric contraindications for semaglutide, but it does emphasise the importance of individual assessment in cases involving complex co-existing conditions. If you feel vulnerable in relation to your eating behaviour or body image, it's worth raising this at the very start of treatment.

Which Signs Should You Take Seriously?

Most people do not experience any mental health issues whilst using Ozempic. That said, any noticeable changes in mood are always worth taking seriously. Signs that warrant attention include:

A persistent low mood lasting longer than two weeks
Loss of interest in things you normally enjoy
Sleep problems that don't improve over time
Thoughts of harming yourself

None of these are recognised side effects of Ozempic specifically, but they always warrant a conversation with a doctor, regardless of whether or not you are taking medication.

If you're ever in doubt, reach out for support. Early intervention can help prevent symptoms from becoming more serious.

What If You Feel More Down Whilst Using Ozempic?

If you start to feel more low whilst taking Ozempic, don't stop the medication on your own - speak to your treating clinician or a counsellor first. Stopping abruptly can cause its own side effects and won't necessarily resolve the underlying issue. A clinician can help determine whether your mood is connected to the medication itself, the broader weight loss process, or another, unrelated cause.

At Rightangled, support goes beyond the medication itself. Our clinical team is here for ongoing check-ins throughout your treatment, so you always have someone to speak to if things feel difficult. You can explore our full range of weight loss treatments, including Wegovy and Mounjaro, or find out more on our weight management page.

Your Mental Health Matters Just as Much as Your Weight

Based on current scientific evidence, Ozempic does not cause depression. At the same time, it's entirely natural for a significant process of physical change to affect how you feel. Losing weight isn't purely a physical journey - it can reshape your relationship with food, with your body, and sometimes with the people around you.

Good clinical support recognises this. If you have any concerns about how you're feeling during treatment with semaglutide or any other weight loss medication, it's worth speaking up. That isn't a sign of weakness - it's a sign of looking after yourself properly.

References

McIntyre RS, et al. (2024). The association between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and suicidality. Expert Opinion on Drug Safety. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38087976/
McIntyre RS, et al. (2025). GLP-1 receptor agonists and suicidality: a replication study. Journal of Affective Disorders. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39433133/
Meshkat S, et al. (2025). Efficacy and safety of GLP-1 agonists for psychiatric symptoms. Brain and Behavior. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40635383/
Arillotta D, et al. (2023). GLP-1 receptor agonists and related mental health issues. Brain Sciences. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38002464/
Balata M, et al. (2025). Impact of semaglutide on health outcomes and mood. Clinical Research in Cardiology. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40493069/
European Medicines Agency. Ozempic product information. Available from: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/ozempic-epar-product-information_en.pdf

Can Ozempic Cause Depression? What the Research Says