Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of ObesityMar 7, 2026

Link between diabetes medications that activate GLP-1 receptors and suicidal thoughts or behaviors: A systematic review

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗OA ↗

Updated Mar 8, 2026

Abstract

Liraglutide is associated with a 3.26 times greater odds of reported suicidal ideation.

Semaglutide shows a 1.73 times greater odds of reported suicidal ideation, although with a wider confidence interval.
Tirzepatide is associated with a greater odds of suicidal ideation, but this finding is nonsignificant.
Liraglutide and semaglutide are also associated with higher odds of reported suicidal depression, with odds ratios of 3.74 and 8.81, respectively.
No significant association between other glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists and suicidality was identified.
No causality between glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist exposure and suicidality is apparent.

Simplified

INTRODUCTION: Increased risk of suicidality has been reported in association with glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) prescription. Herein, we conducted a comprehensive review evaluating reports of GLP-1 RA prescription and suicidality.

METHODS: Relevant articles were retrieved from OVID (Medline, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO, JBI EBP Database), PubMed, and Web of Science from inception to May 20, 2024. Primary research examining the association between GLP-1 RAs (i.e., dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, semaglutide, tirzepatide) and suicidality were included for analysis.

RESULTS: Our findings indicate liraglutide (reported odds ratio [ROR] = 3.26, 95% CI = 2.53, 4.22) and semaglutide (ROR = 1.73; 95% CI = 0.30, 0.80) are significantly associated with a greater odds ratio of reported suicidal ideation. Similarly, tirzepatide was associated with greater odds of reported suicidal ideation; however, this was nonsignificant (ROR = 1.49; 95% CI = -0.41, 1.21). Similarly, semaglutide (ROR = 8.81; 95% CI = 3.69, 21.04) and liraglutide (ROR = 3.74; 95% CI = 1.23, 11.38) are also associated with a greater odds ratio of reported suicidal depression. No significant association between other GLP-1 RAs and suicidality was observed.

DISCUSSION: Reports of aspects of suicidality and exposure to select GLP-1 RAs exist; notwithstanding, no causality between GLP-1 RA exposure and suicidality is apparent.

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Link between diabetes medications that activate GLP-1 receptors and suicidal thoughts or behaviors: A systematic review

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