Has anyone heard the latest podcast by Dr. Matthew Weiner who covers a lot about GLP-1’s? The episode discusses:

“recent studies that debunk the myth of increased risk of suicide and highlight the positive impact these medications have on reducing depression, curbing alcohol and binge eating disorders, and slowing the progression of Parkinson’s”.

I’m curious to see if they are soon approved to treat these conditions. May be more reasons for insurance to cover them, hopefully ?

Edited July 27, 20241 yr by ShoppGirl

I heard it! I was intrigued, and honestly I think that any treatment that helps people improve their body and/or mental health is worth investigating thoroughly -- so I'd like to see how it develops.

But that said, my question is, how do these studies take into account the people for which depression, eating disorders, etc all go hand in hand with being or becoming obese, low self worth, trauma, etc. Mental/emotional health and obesity / physical health & ability can easily boost each other up positively or send you into into a vicious downwards spiral when things are going bad. How many people on GLP-1s who attempted/considered suicide were already suffering from depression or suicidal ideation, etc? How many people who lost weight through GLP-1s had their mental health and self worth so intrinsically tied to their body image or the side effects of obesity that the resulting weight loss improved that aspect of their lives almost as a side-effect? Either way, the potential for improvement in both areas upon taking GLP-1s would be worth it, in my eyes, but I'm always a bit skeptical about how studies like this are framed.

On 7/29/2024 at 9:34 AM, JennyBeez said:

I heard it! I was intrigued, and honestly I think that any treatment that helps people improve their body and/or mental health is worth investigating thoroughly -- so I'd like to see how it develops.

But that said, my question is, how do these studies take into account the people for which depression, eating disorders, etc all go hand in hand with being or becoming obese, low self worth, trauma, etc. Mental/emotional health and obesity / physical health & ability can easily boost each other up positively or send you into into a vicious downwards spiral when things are going bad. How many people on GLP-1s who attempted/considered suicide were already suffering from depression or suicidal ideation, etc? How many people who lost weight through GLP-1s had their mental health and self worth so intrinsically tied to their body image or the side effects of obesity that the resulting weight loss improved that aspect of their lives almost as a side-effect? Either way, the potential for improvement in both areas upon taking GLP-1s would be worth it, in my eyes, but I'm always a bit skeptical about how studies like this are framed.

Perhaps it’s like the chicken and the egg thing. Doesn’t really matter much which came first if they are both still good. ??‍♀️

Wait, seriously? GLP-1s might help with depression and alcohol issues too? I had no idea these could do more than just weight and blood sugar stuff.

That's really interesting! I hadn't heard that specific podcast yet, but I've been following some of the emerging research on GLP-1s beyond just diabetes and weight loss. The potential psychiatric and neurological applications are fascinating. I remember seeing some early studies suggesting GLP-1 receptors in the brain might play a role in mood regulation and addiction pathways, so it makes sense they're finding benefits for depression and substance use disorders. Do you know if Dr. Weiner mentioned which specific studies he was referencing? I am going to check out that podcast, thanks for sharing!