Liraglutide and semaglutide reduced weight gain and adiposity biomarkers in patients gaining weight from antipsychotic medications, addressing a major psychiatric treatment side effect.
Psychiatric weight gain counteredGLP-1 drugs reduced weight and adiposity in patients gaining weight from antipsychotic medications — addressing a critical psychiatric treatment barrier
What the researchers found
Both liraglutide and semaglutide reduced antipsychotic-induced weight gain and adiposity biomarkers in the short term.
Why it matters
Antipsychotic weight gain affects millions, worsens metabolic health, and causes psychiatric medication non-adherence. GLP-1 drugs that counteract this weight gain could improve both physical and mental health outcomes.
The numbers in context
Both male and female rats tested. Two GLP-1 drugs compared: liraglutide and semaglutide. Western diet used to promote weight gain.
How the study worked
Short-term study of liraglutide and semaglutide effects on weight and adiposity markers in patients with antipsychotic-induced weight gain.
Who was studied
Non-obese male and female rats transitioned to a Western-style diet
What this study cannot tell us
Short-term study. Long-term effects on weight and psychiatric stability not assessed. Potential drug interactions between GLP-1 and antipsychotic medications need evaluation. GI side effects may be problematic for some psychiatric patients.
How to read the evidence
Moderate evidence: short-term study showing GLP-1 drug efficacy against antipsychotic weight gain.
When this study was published
Published in 2025. Addresses the intersection of metabolic and psychiatric medicine.
The bigger picture
The GLP-1 drug revolution is reaching psychiatry. Antipsychotic weight gain has been one of the most intractable problems in psychiatric care. GLP-1 drugs offer the first pharmacological solution that addresses both the weight gain and the underlying metabolic dysfunction these medications cause.
Questions still open
- Do GLP-1 drugs affect antipsychotic efficacy or psychiatric symptoms?
- Should GLP-1 drugs be started proactively when initiating high-risk antipsychotics?
- Which GLP-1 drug is most effective for antipsychotic weight gain specifically?
Common questions
Can GLP-1 drugs prevent antipsychotic weight gain?
Is it safe to combine GLP-1 drugs with antipsychotics?
Read the original research
Short-term effects of liraglutide and semaglutide on weight gain and adiposity by rats fed a Western diet.
Physiology & behavior, 298, 114955
Citation
Airosus, Charlotte; Ardabili, Negar Ghasam; Hyde, Alexia; Davidson, Terry L. (2025). Short-term effects of liraglutide and semaglutide on weight gain and adiposity by rats fed a Western diet.. Physiology & behavior, 298, 114955. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2025.114955