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Understanding how Wegovy interacts with your mental wellbeing is key to feeling confident on your journey. In this blog, we’ll explore what the research says, the potential connections between Wegovy and mental health, and how to navigate any changes in mood while on treatment.
Can Wegovy cause depression?
Large observational studies so far have not found an overall increase in psychiatric problems or worsening of depression in people taking Wegovy (semaglutide) compared with other weight loss medicines (Wilding et al., 2021).
However, like any medication, Wegovy can affect people differently, and some individuals have reported changes in mood while on treatment (Foster McVey Neufeld, 2020).
Is depression a side effect of Wegovy?
Following a thorough review, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) concluded that the available evidence does not establish a causal relationship between GLP-1 receptor agonists including Wegovy and suicidal behaviour, suicidal ideation, self-injury and depression. Because of this, depression is not currently listed as a recognised side effect in the UK product information (SmPC) for Wegovy (MHRA, 2023).
How does Wegovy impact depression?
For some people, Wegovy may offer secondary benefits that support better mood and emotional well-being. As weight begins to drop, many individuals experience improved self-esteem, feeling more confident not only in how they look but also in how they move and engage in daily life, which may contribute to better mental health for some people (King's College London, 2023).
This emotional lift often accompanies broader improvements in physical health (King's Collect London, 2023). Weight loss can enhance overall well-being by increasing energy levels, improving sleep quality, and reducing joint pain, all of which can lower stress and support a more stable mood (Novo Nordisk, 2023).
Wegovy also helps with appetite regulation, making it easier to adopt a healthier diet rich in whole foods. Because the gut and brain communicate constantly through the gut-brain axis (Foster & McVey Neufeld, 2020), eating nutrient-dense foods, like leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, turmeric and olive oil, are associated with lower levels of inflammation and may support healthier brain function (Foster & McVey Neufeld, 2020).
Chronic inflammation has been linked to depression (Yaribeygi et al., 2019), so this is an important factor. When combined, these physical, behavioural and nutritional changes may contribute to a more positive outlook and reduced symptoms of depression for some individuals (Foster & McVey Neufeld, 2020).
Why Wegovy may improve your mood?
There’s growing research that suggests Wegovy’s active ingredient may play a role in improving mood.
Neuro-inflammation is thought to be one contributor to depression, and GLP-1 signalling can modulate inflammatory pathways and neurotransmitters in the brain (Yaribeygi et al., 2019). These anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects may help explain why some studies suggest GLP-1 drugs could have antidepressant benefits, but this is still an emerging area and not yet a proven treatment for depression in its own right (Carmellini, P. et al., 2025).
Can Wegovy cause anxiety?
Anxiety is not listed as a recognised side effect of Wegovy in the UK.
However, some people do report feeling more anxious, especially early on, and this may relate to physical side effects such as nausea, changes in appetite or fluctuations in blood sugar, which can feel similar to anxiety symptoms (Wilding et al., 2021).
Does Wegovy increase anxiety?
Most people taking Wegovy do not experience new or worsening anxiety, and large studies to date have not found an overall increase in psychiatric problems (including anxiety and depression) in people on semaglutide compared with other medications (Wilding et al., 2021).
Why some people feel more anxious on Wegovy?
Researchers and clinicians have proposed several possible explanations for why some people might feel more anxious on Wegovy.
Some of the reasons include:
- Gastrointestinal discomfort - Wegovy often causes nausea, stomach upset, bloating, or indigestion when treatment begins or when the dose increases. These physical sensations can be uncomfortable and, for some people, may trigger or heighten feelings of stress or anxiety (Wilding et al., 2021).
- Shifts in appetite - because Wegovy reduces hunger signals, the sudden decrease in appetite can feel unusual at first. Adjusting to this new pattern of eating—and to feeling full more quickly—can be disorienting and may temporarily lead to worry or uneasiness (Novo Nordisk, 2023).
- Emotional and psychological adjustments - losing weight or seeing rapid changes in your body can bring a mix of emotions. While many people feel encouraged, others may experience pressure, uncertainty, or body-image-related stress during the transition (King’s College London, 2023).
What do I do if I detect a decline in my mental health?
If you do experience emotional changes on Wegovy, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider so your dose, treatment plan, and overall wellbeing can be supported (Novo Nordisk, 2023).
References
European Medicines Agency (EMA). Assessment Report: Semaglutide (Wegovy). (online) EMA.
Foster, J.A., & McVey Neufeld, K.A. Gut–Brain Axis: How the Microbiome Influences Anxiety and Depression. (online) Trends in Neurosciences.
JAMA Psychiatry. Association of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists With Risk of Suicidal Behavior: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. (online) JAMA Psychiatry.
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Review of Risk of Suicidal Thoughts and Self-Harm. (online) MHRA.
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). MHRA Finds Evidence Does Not Support a Link Between GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Suicidal and Self-Injurious Thoughts and Acts. (online) MHRA.
Novo Nordisk. Wegovy (semaglutide) Prescribing Information. (online) Novo Nordisk.
Carmellini, P. et al. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Mood Disorders: A Psychiatric Perspective. (online) Life.
Wilding, J.P.H. et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults With Overweight or Obesity. (online) New England Journal of Medicine.
Diz-Chaves, Y. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Activation in the Brain in Neurodegenerative Diseases. (online) Neurochemistry International.
