# Psychiatrists Prescribe GLP-1s for Mental Health

> Some psychiatrists use GLP-1 medications to treat depression and anxiety.
- Title: Psychiatrists Prescribe GLP-1s for Mental Health · Bon Appétit
- Summary: Some psychiatrists use GLP-1 medications to treat depression and anxiety. Psychiatrists are prescribing GLP-1 drugs for mental health benefits after…
- Keywords: glp-1, depression, mental health, psychiatrists, wegovy, nutrition, glp-1 medication, food therapy, nutritional psychiatry, obesity, inflammation, jama psychiatry
- Source: Bon Appétit — https://bonappetit.com/story/why-some-psychiatrists-prescribe-glp-1s
- Author: Jamie Ducharme
- Published: 2026-09-30T17:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: glp-1, depression, mental health, psychiatrists, wegovy, nutrition, glp-1 medication, food therapy, nutritional psychiatry, obesity, inflammation, jama psychiatry
## Hilary's Experience
Hilary, a 39-year-old in California, tried antidepressants for years but felt unimpressed until starting Wegovy for weight loss.

> I didn’t even know it was possible for GLP-1s to have a positive effect on mental illness until it happened to me
## GLP-1s and Mental Health
GLP-1 medications, which help with weight and metabolic health, are being explored for mental health benefits by some psychiatrists.
## Research Shows Links
Studies indicate that obesity, high blood sugar, poor gut health, and chronic inflammation often accompany mental illness.
## Joanna Buck's Approach
Joanna Buck, a Wisconsin psychiatrist, uses brain-friendly diets as a supplement to traditional therapy for mental health.
## Thomas Rutledge's Findings
Thomas Rutledge found a 30% drop in depression severity among 40 patients using GLP-1s within six months.
## Potential Benefits
GLP-1s may improve mental health by reducing food obsession and metabolic issues, unlike traditional psychiatric drugs.
## Safety Concerns
Some studies warn GLP-1s could increase depression and anxiety risks, but recent reviews found no major concerns.
## Future Outlook
Psychiatrists say GLP-1s may become mainstream mental health treatments with more research and monitoring.
## Key takeaway

Psychiatrists are prescribing GLP-1 drugs for mental health benefits after observing improvements in depression.