Weight Loss Medication and Mental Health

How weight loss medication interacts with mental health conditions and medications.

Important considerations

The relationship between weight, mental health, and medication is complex. Weight loss medication can interact with mental health in several ways.

Depression and anxiety

Contrave contains bupropion (an antidepressant) and may have additional benefits for people with co-existing depression
GLP-1 medications (Wegovy, Mounjaro) — some reports of mood changes, though clinical trials did not show increased depression rates. The TGA and FDA are monitoring reports of suicidal ideation, though a causal link has not been established.
Duromine can cause anxiety, restlessness, and mood swings as stimulant side effects

Eating disorders

Weight loss medication is generally NOT appropriate for people with active eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or severe binge eating disorder. These conditions require specialist psychological treatment. However, some evidence suggests GLP-1 medications may help with binge eating by reducing compulsive food-seeking behaviour — this should only be explored under specialist supervision.

Medication interactions

SSRIs/SNRIs: Generally safe with GLP-1 medications. Contrave requires caution (bupropion + SSRI can increase seizure risk at high doses).
MAO inhibitors: Contraindicated with Duromine.
Antipsychotics: Some cause weight gain. GLP-1 medications may help counteract this — discuss with your psychiatrist.

Always disclose all mental health medications to your prescribing doctor.

The weight-mental health connection

Weight and mental health form a bidirectional cycle: obesity increases risk of depression and anxiety (through both biological inflammation and social stigma), while depression and anxiety increase risk of weight gain (through emotional eating, reduced activity, and medication side effects). Breaking this cycle is one of the most powerful benefits of effective weight loss treatment.

Many patients report significant improvements in mood, confidence, social engagement, and overall quality of life alongside weight loss — benefits that extend far beyond the number on the scale.

Suicidal ideation monitoring

The TGA and FDA are monitoring reports of suicidal ideation in patients taking GLP-1 medications. As of April 2026, no causal link has been established — the reported rates are similar to background rates in the obese population. However, if you experience new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or significant mood changes after starting GLP-1 medication, contact your doctor immediately.

This monitoring applies to Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic. It does not mean the medications cause these symptoms — it means the regulatory bodies are being appropriately cautious while gathering more data.