Psychiatrists Turn to Ozempic to Combat Weight Gain from Mental Health Medications

Some psychiatrists are prescribing the diabetes medication Ozempic, and similar drugs, to counteract the weight gain that often occurs as a side effect of antipsychotics and certain antidepressants. While some mental health facilities and psychiatric departments are recommending or prescribing these weight-loss drugs, others have concerns about safety and side effects, as there is limited data on their use in patients with serious mental illnesses. Patients who experience significant weight gain on psychiatric medications can face increased health risks, and the weight-loss drugs offer a potential solution. However, there are ongoing debates about the risks and benefits of prescribing these medications to a vulnerable population.