Efficacy of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Psychological Well-Being and Depressive Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Hung TH, Chen CR, Hsu CW, Carvalho AF, Stubbs B, Tseng PT, Wang LJ, Lin PY

Human psychopharmacology1 May 2026

PMID41914576DOI10.1002/hup.70041PepBankPUB-41914576

Publisher page PubMedAsk about this study

Summary

The text of this summary is not shown here, because the article license does not allow reuse. Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)

Text rights: Publisher copyright. Results still quote short attributed sentences.

Results from this study15

3 results from studies that gave the peptide. 3 results from people.

01HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
Studies using liraglutide consistently observed improvements in psychological well-being.
In plain wordsLiraglutide studies consistently observed improved psychological well-being.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedPsychological well-being
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Anxiety and mood · Mental health and mood
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
Improvements in psychological well-being were consistently observed in studies using semaglutide, tirzepatide or liraglutide, subcutaneous administration, and in populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity.
4 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of GLP-1RAs on depressive symptoms and psychological well-being.
Summary · context
Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs).
Summary · context
Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity.
Summary · context
In total, 25 trials (17,751 participants) evaluated psychological well-being and 11 trials (1961 participants) evaluated depressive symptoms.
Report a problemFND-4191457607
02HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
Studies using semaglutide consistently observed improvements in psychological well-being.
In plain wordsSemaglutide studies consistently observed improved psychological well-being.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedPsychological well-being
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Anxiety and mood · Mental health and mood
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
Improvements in psychological well-being were consistently observed in studies using semaglutide, tirzepatide or liraglutide, subcutaneous administration, and in populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity.
4 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of GLP-1RAs on depressive symptoms and psychological well-being.
Summary · context
Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs).
Summary · context
Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity.
Summary · context
In total, 25 trials (17,751 participants) evaluated psychological well-being and 11 trials (1961 participants) evaluated depressive symptoms.
Report a problemFND-4191457608
03HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
Studies using tirzepatide consistently observed improvements in psychological well-being.
In plain wordsTirzepatide studies consistently observed improved psychological well-being.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
Direction not reportedPsychological well-being
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Anxiety and mood · Mental health and mood
Studied dose
Dose not stated
Source sentences
Summary
Improvements in psychological well-being were consistently observed in studies using semaglutide, tirzepatide or liraglutide, subcutaneous administration, and in populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity.
4 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of GLP-1RAs on depressive symptoms and psychological well-being.
Summary · context
Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs).
Summary · context
Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity.
Summary · context
In total, 25 trials (17,751 participants) evaluated psychological well-being and 11 trials (1961 participants) evaluated depressive symptoms.
Report a problemFND-4191457609

Studies that did not test the peptide alone12

In this study, the peptide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking the peptide.

04HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
Across 25 trials (17,751 participants), pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including liraglutide modestly improved psychological well-being versus control conditions (SMD 0.374, 95% CI 0.093-0.656).
In plain wordsAcross 25 trials, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists modestly improved psychological well-being versus controls.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
IncreasePsychological well-being
Study
n = 17,751
Comparator
Control conditions
Outcome group
Anxiety and mood · Mental health and mood
Source sentences
Summary
GLP-1RA treatment was associated with a small but significant improvement in psychological well-being compared with control conditions (SMD = 0.374, 95% CI 0.093-0.656), whereas no significant effect was observed for depressive symptoms (SMD = 0.079, 95% CI -0.024-0.182).
5 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of GLP-1RAs on depressive symptoms and psychological well-being.
Summary · context
Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs).
Summary · context
Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity.
Summary · context
In total, 25 trials (17,751 participants) evaluated psychological well-being and 11 trials (1961 participants) evaluated depressive symptoms.
Summary · context
Improvements in psychological well-being were consistently observed in studies using semaglutide, tirzepatide or liraglutide, subcutaneous administration, and in populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity.
In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191457601
05HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
Across 25 trials (17,751 participants), pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide modestly improved psychological well-being versus control conditions (SMD 0.374, 95% CI 0.093-0.656).
In plain wordsAcross 25 trials, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists modestly improved psychological well-being versus controls.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
IncreasePsychological well-being
Study
n = 17,751
Comparator
Control conditions
Outcome group
Anxiety and mood · Mental health and mood
Source sentences
Summary
GLP-1RA treatment was associated with a small but significant improvement in psychological well-being compared with control conditions (SMD = 0.374, 95% CI 0.093-0.656), whereas no significant effect was observed for depressive symptoms (SMD = 0.079, 95% CI -0.024-0.182).
5 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of GLP-1RAs on depressive symptoms and psychological well-being.
Summary · context
Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs).
Summary · context
Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity.
Summary · context
In total, 25 trials (17,751 participants) evaluated psychological well-being and 11 trials (1961 participants) evaluated depressive symptoms.
Summary · context
Improvements in psychological well-being were consistently observed in studies using semaglutide, tirzepatide or liraglutide, subcutaneous administration, and in populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity.
In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191457602
06HumanNot a test of Tirzepatide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
Across 25 trials (17,751 participants), pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including tirzepatide modestly improved psychological well-being versus control conditions (SMD 0.374, 95% CI 0.093-0.656).
In plain wordsAcross 25 trials, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists modestly improved psychological well-being versus controls.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
IncreasePsychological well-being
Study
n = 17,751
Comparator
Control conditions
Outcome group
Anxiety and mood · Mental health and mood
Source sentences
Summary
GLP-1RA treatment was associated with a small but significant improvement in psychological well-being compared with control conditions (SMD = 0.374, 95% CI 0.093-0.656), whereas no significant effect was observed for depressive symptoms (SMD = 0.079, 95% CI -0.024-0.182).
5 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of GLP-1RAs on depressive symptoms and psychological well-being.
Summary · context
Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs).
Summary · context
Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity.
Summary · context
In total, 25 trials (17,751 participants) evaluated psychological well-being and 11 trials (1961 participants) evaluated depressive symptoms.
Summary · context
Improvements in psychological well-being were consistently observed in studies using semaglutide, tirzepatide or liraglutide, subcutaneous administration, and in populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity.
In this study, Tirzepatide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Tirzepatide.
Report a problemFND-4191457603
07HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
Across 11 trials (1961 participants), pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including liraglutide did not significantly affect depressive symptoms versus control conditions (SMD 0.079, 95% CI -0.024 to 0.182).
In plain wordsAcross 11 trials, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists did not significantly affect depressive symptoms versus controls.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
No significant changeDepressive symptoms
Study
n = 1,961
Comparator
Control conditions
Outcome group
Anxiety and mood · Mental health and mood
Source sentences
Summary
GLP-1RA treatment was associated with a small but significant improvement in psychological well-being compared with control conditions (SMD = 0.374, 95% CI 0.093-0.656), whereas no significant effect was observed for depressive symptoms (SMD = 0.079, 95% CI -0.024-0.182).
5 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of GLP-1RAs on depressive symptoms and psychological well-being.
Summary · context
Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs).
Summary · context
Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity.
Summary · context
In total, 25 trials (17,751 participants) evaluated psychological well-being and 11 trials (1961 participants) evaluated depressive symptoms.
Summary · context
Improvements in psychological well-being were consistently observed in studies using semaglutide, tirzepatide or liraglutide, subcutaneous administration, and in populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity.
In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191457604
08HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
Across 11 trials (1961 participants), pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including semaglutide did not significantly affect depressive symptoms versus control conditions (SMD 0.079, 95% CI -0.024 to 0.182).
In plain wordsAcross 11 trials, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists did not significantly affect depressive symptoms versus controls.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
No significant changeDepressive symptoms
Study
n = 1,961
Comparator
Control conditions
Outcome group
Anxiety and mood · Mental health and mood
Source sentences
Summary
GLP-1RA treatment was associated with a small but significant improvement in psychological well-being compared with control conditions (SMD = 0.374, 95% CI 0.093-0.656), whereas no significant effect was observed for depressive symptoms (SMD = 0.079, 95% CI -0.024-0.182).
5 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of GLP-1RAs on depressive symptoms and psychological well-being.
Summary · context
Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs).
Summary · context
Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity.
Summary · context
In total, 25 trials (17,751 participants) evaluated psychological well-being and 11 trials (1961 participants) evaluated depressive symptoms.
Summary · context
Improvements in psychological well-being were consistently observed in studies using semaglutide, tirzepatide or liraglutide, subcutaneous administration, and in populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity.
In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191457605
09HumanNot a test of Tirzepatide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
Across 11 trials (1961 participants), pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists including tirzepatide did not significantly affect depressive symptoms versus control conditions (SMD 0.079, 95% CI -0.024 to 0.182).
In plain wordsAcross 11 trials, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists did not significantly affect depressive symptoms versus controls.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
No significant changeDepressive symptoms
Study
n = 1,961
Comparator
Control conditions
Outcome group
Anxiety and mood · Mental health and mood
Source sentences
Summary
GLP-1RA treatment was associated with a small but significant improvement in psychological well-being compared with control conditions (SMD = 0.374, 95% CI 0.093-0.656), whereas no significant effect was observed for depressive symptoms (SMD = 0.079, 95% CI -0.024-0.182).
5 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of GLP-1RAs on depressive symptoms and psychological well-being.
Summary · context
Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs).
Summary · context
Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity.
Summary · context
In total, 25 trials (17,751 participants) evaluated psychological well-being and 11 trials (1961 participants) evaluated depressive symptoms.
Summary · context
Improvements in psychological well-being were consistently observed in studies using semaglutide, tirzepatide or liraglutide, subcutaneous administration, and in populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity.
In this study, Tirzepatide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Tirzepatide.
Report a problemFND-4191457606
10HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In the reviewed subcutaneous-administration subgroup, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonist studies consistently reported improved psychological well-being.
In plain wordsIn reviewed subcutaneous GLP-1 treatment studies, psychological well-being consistently improved.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedPsychological well-being: Subcutaneous subgroup
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Anxiety and mood · Mental health and mood
Source sentences
Summary
Improvements in psychological well-being were consistently observed in studies using semaglutide, tirzepatide or liraglutide, subcutaneous administration, and in populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity.
4 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of GLP-1RAs on depressive symptoms and psychological well-being.
Summary · context
Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs).
Summary · context
Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity.
Summary · context
In total, 25 trials (17,751 participants) evaluated psychological well-being and 11 trials (1961 participants) evaluated depressive symptoms.
In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191457610
11HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In reviewed populations with type 2 diabetes or obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonist studies consistently reported improved psychological well-being.
In plain wordsIn reviewed populations with type 2 diabetes or obesity, pooled GLP-1 treatment studies consistently reported improved psychological well-being.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedPsychological well-being: T2D or obesity population subgroup
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Anxiety and mood · Mental health and mood
Source sentences
Summary
Improvements in psychological well-being were consistently observed in studies using semaglutide, tirzepatide or liraglutide, subcutaneous administration, and in populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity.
4 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of GLP-1RAs on depressive symptoms and psychological well-being.
Summary · context
Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs).
Summary · context
Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity.
Summary · context
In total, 25 trials (17,751 participants) evaluated psychological well-being and 11 trials (1961 participants) evaluated depressive symptoms.
In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191457611
12HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In the reviewed subcutaneous-administration subgroup, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonist studies consistently reported improved psychological well-being.
In plain wordsIn reviewed subcutaneous GLP-1 treatment studies, psychological well-being consistently improved.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedPsychological well-being: Subcutaneous subgroup
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Anxiety and mood · Mental health and mood
Source sentences
Summary
Improvements in psychological well-being were consistently observed in studies using semaglutide, tirzepatide or liraglutide, subcutaneous administration, and in populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity.
4 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of GLP-1RAs on depressive symptoms and psychological well-being.
Summary · context
Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs).
Summary · context
Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity.
Summary · context
In total, 25 trials (17,751 participants) evaluated psychological well-being and 11 trials (1961 participants) evaluated depressive symptoms.
In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191457612
13HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In reviewed populations with type 2 diabetes or obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonist studies consistently reported improved psychological well-being.
In plain wordsIn reviewed populations with type 2 diabetes or obesity, pooled GLP-1 treatment studies consistently reported improved psychological well-being.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedPsychological well-being: T2D or obesity population subgroup
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Anxiety and mood · Mental health and mood
Source sentences
Summary
Improvements in psychological well-being were consistently observed in studies using semaglutide, tirzepatide or liraglutide, subcutaneous administration, and in populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity.
4 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of GLP-1RAs on depressive symptoms and psychological well-being.
Summary · context
Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs).
Summary · context
Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity.
Summary · context
In total, 25 trials (17,751 participants) evaluated psychological well-being and 11 trials (1961 participants) evaluated depressive symptoms.
In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.
Report a problemFND-4191457613
14HumanNot a test of Tirzepatide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In the reviewed subcutaneous-administration subgroup, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonist studies consistently reported improved psychological well-being.
In plain wordsIn reviewed subcutaneous GLP-1 treatment studies, psychological well-being consistently improved.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
Direction not reportedPsychological well-being: Subcutaneous subgroup
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Anxiety and mood · Mental health and mood
Source sentences
Summary
Improvements in psychological well-being were consistently observed in studies using semaglutide, tirzepatide or liraglutide, subcutaneous administration, and in populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity.
4 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of GLP-1RAs on depressive symptoms and psychological well-being.
Summary · context
Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs).
Summary · context
Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity.
Summary · context
In total, 25 trials (17,751 participants) evaluated psychological well-being and 11 trials (1961 participants) evaluated depressive symptoms.
In this study, Tirzepatide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Tirzepatide.
Report a problemFND-4191457614
15HumanNot a test of Tirzepatide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In reviewed populations with type 2 diabetes or obesity, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonist studies consistently reported improved psychological well-being.
In plain wordsIn reviewed populations with type 2 diabetes or obesity, pooled GLP-1 treatment studies consistently reported improved psychological well-being.
Peptide
Tirzepatide
Outcome
Direction not reportedPsychological well-being: T2D or obesity population subgroup
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Anxiety and mood · Mental health and mood
Source sentences
Summary
Improvements in psychological well-being were consistently observed in studies using semaglutide, tirzepatide or liraglutide, subcutaneous administration, and in populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity.
4 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of GLP-1RAs on depressive symptoms and psychological well-being.
Summary · context
Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs).
Summary · context
Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity.
Summary · context
In total, 25 trials (17,751 participants) evaluated psychological well-being and 11 trials (1961 participants) evaluated depressive symptoms.
In this study, Tirzepatide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Tirzepatide.
Report a problemFND-4191457615

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Version 4Current
12 Oct 2026, 11:11 UTC
Study results updated
Versions 2 to 3
9 Oct 2026, 03:07 UTC
The same notice was added 2 times, first on 9 Oct 2026, 03:06 UTC. The status did not change between them.
Study data updated · source update from Europe PMC
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 03:05 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

Efficacy of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Psychological Well-Being and Depressive Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Summary

Results from this study15

Studies that did not test the peptide alone12

Version history

Subjects

Publication types

MeSH terms

Keywords