I was suicidal on Ozempic — it’s not a miracle weight-loss drug for everyone
New York PostAug 14, 2023
Popular weight loss drugs, including Wegovy, Saxenda, and Ozempic, are under investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after reports of suicidal risks were reported to the US watchdog.
According to a report published by Reuters on Thursday, the FDA has received 265 reports of suicidal thoughts or behavior in patients taking weight loss drugs since 2010.
Millions of people are being recommended and prescribed weight loss medications, but the drugs are not a miracle solution for all. Reports of suicidal thoughts and self-harm among patients taking these medications are extremely worrying, and regulators should investigate such reports and adequately warn people of the risks.
As clinical trials of weight loss drugs haven't been shown to cause suicidal thoughts, there's a high probability that patients who report having suicidal thoughts are already suffering from mental health issues. US and EU drug regulators are collaborating with drug makers to ensure patient safety and to provide adequate information to healthcare professionals.
There's a 50% chance that the FDA or EMA will approve a drug for the treatment of obesity that causes >15% weight loss by May 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.