Mental health changes after 4 months of weight loss treatment with the glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue liraglutide 3.0 mg

Objective: 

This observational study examined changes in mental health and wellbeing after 4-months liraglutide 3.0 mg treatment in patients with obesity and explored associations with weight loss. 

Methods: 

We included 98 patients with obesity treated with liraglutide 3.0 mg. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS: total score 0–42; depression/anxiety subscales 0–21), OBESI-Q psychological wellbeing (0–100) and anthropometrics were assessed at baseline and 4-month follow-up. Analyses included the full sample and subgroups with poor versus good baseline mental health. 

Results: 

Body weight decreased after 4 months (−5.8%, p < 0.001). HADS total, depression, and (in trend) anxiety scores slightly decreased (−1.7 [95% confidence interval [CI] −3.2; −0.1, p < 0.05]; −1.0 [95% CI: −1.9; −0.1, p < 0.05] and −0.7 [95% CI: −1.5; 0.1, p = 0.095]). OBESI-Q psychological wellbeing scores increased (4.3 [95% CI: 0.8; 7.8, p < 0.05]). Mental health improvements occurred mainly in patients with poor baseline mental health. Weight loss occurred regardless of initial mental health. Anthropometrics changes were associated with changes in mental health and psychological wellbeing either significantly or in trend. 

Conclusion: 

Liraglutide treatment was associated with weight loss without adverse mental health changes. Mental health benefits may be seen especially in those initially impaired. Weight loss was irrespective of baseline mental health status, suggesting liraglutide weight loss treatment effectiveness even in the presence of impaired mental health.