European drug regulators have concluded that popular medications for diabetes and weight loss, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, do not appear to be associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. This announcement follows a review conducted by the regulatory committee of the European Medicines Agency, aligning with similar findings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration earlier this year. While the FDA acknowledged the possibility of a small risk, it emphasized the absence of conclusive evidence linking these drugs to self-harm. Furthermore, a U.S. study supported by federal funding indicated that individuals using semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) had a lower likelihood of experiencing suicidal thoughts compared to those using traditional medications for diabetes and obesity.

The European Union’s regulatory review, initiated in response to anecdotal reports of self-harm ideation among users of these drugs, involved a comprehensive examination of various studies, post-marketing data, and other relevant research on nearly a dozen medications used for diabetes and obesity treatment. Notably, the review did not include information on tirzepatide, the compound found in drugs marketed as Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Both the European and U.S. regulatory bodies underscored their commitment to vigilant monitoring of reports concerning mental health issues associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, the class of drugs to which Ozempic, Wegovy, and others belong. Patients prescribed these medications are advised to promptly inform their healthcare providers of any mental health concerns or adverse effects.