Researchers at the University of Queensland have found that diabetic weight-loss medications can help people with schizophrenia lose weight without affecting their psychotic symptoms.
Professor Dan Siskind, a psychiatrist and Professor of Psychiatry, led a 36-week clinical trial testing semaglutide, the active ingredient in popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. The study focused on people with schizophrenia, who often gain weight as a side effect of their anti-psychotic medications.
Weight gain is a common reason why some patients stop taking prescribed medication like clozapine. Professor Siskind said this new finding will help doctors improve treatment plans for people with schizophrenia.
“This study provides the first global evidence that semaglutide is safe and highly effective for weight loss in this group,” Professor Siskind said. He works clinically at Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services in Brisbane.
The trial was investigator-led, meaning no drug company funded or influenced the research.
Before this study, it was unclear if semaglutide might interact with anti-psychotic drugs or affect mental health. The trial showed that semaglutide did not change psychotic symptoms or interfere with anti-psychotic medication levels. This means the drug does not worsen psychosis or increase risks.
The study also found that people taking semaglutide lost more fat compared to lean muscle, improving their body composition.
Currently, semaglutide is not covered by Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for weight loss.
“People with schizophrenia urgently need better access to effective obesity treatments like semaglutide,” Professor Siskind said.
He added, “We strongly support adding semaglutide to the PBS for this population. Many cannot afford the medication without financial help. I know several patients on clozapine who use semaglutide with family support.”
