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Myths, Read Against the EvidenceArticle 18 of 27

Do GLP-1 peptides cause depression or suicidal thoughts?

In January 2026, the FDA reviewed 91 studies covering about 108,000 patients and found no increased risk. Warning language is being removed.

THE REVIEW

On January 13, 2026, the FDA announced the results of a comprehensive review of 91 studies of GLP-1 receptor agonist peptides covering 107,910 patients.

The review didn't find an increased risk of suicidal ideation or behavior. The agency asked manufacturers to remove the warning from the labels of Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound.

THE BACKUP DATA

The review followed earlier post-marketing reports that had prompted the warning in the first place.

The cardiovascular study of semaglutide (SELECT, about 17,600 people) also reported no increase in psychiatric adverse events.

What this means

The popular conversation often misses both halves. "The warning was for nothing" misses that the review was prompted by real reports. "The warning was hidden truth" misses that the systematic review didn't find the signal.

The system worked. Signal arose, signal got reviewed, signal didn't replicate, warning is coming off.

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References01 sources
  1. See source line · 2026
    U.S. Food and Drug Administration Drug Safety Communication, January 13, 2026. SELECT trial: Lincoff et al. 2023, *New England Journal of Medicine* (PMID 37952131).
    Source line — see article body
Do GLP-1 peptides cause depression or suicidal thoughts? · Catalyst / Science Explained · Catalyst