Background: Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental health disorders that substantially impact quality of life. The association of incretin mimetics, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, with symptoms of depression and anxiety remain underexplored in Saudi Arabia. This study was conducted to assess the association between GLP-1 receptor agonist use and symptoms of depression and anxiety and to identify related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling was conducted among adults (≥18 years) treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists at King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the research team, in addition to the Arabic versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). Results: A total of 235 participants were included, of whom 48.5% used GLP-1 receptor agonists for both glycemic control and weight loss. Only 31.9% had undergone psychiatric evaluation prior to initiating therapy, and 14.9% had a diagnosed psychiatric disorder. The mean anxiety score (GAD-7) was 4.82 ± 5, and the mean depression score (PHQ-9) was 6.13 ± 4.95. Multivariable analysis showed that higher odds of more severe depression were associated with using diabetes medications for weight loss in addition to diabetes treatment, a history of psychiatric disorders, and holding a bachelor’s degree. Exercising for 101–150 min per week was associated with lower odds of depression. Regarding anxiety, participants who exercised 101–150 min per week had significantly lower odds of anxiety compared with those who did not exercise, while a history of psychiatric disorders was associated with higher odds of more severe anxiety. Conclusions: This study’s findings highlight the importance of integrating both routine psychiatric screening and follow-up into diabetes and obesity management to enhance both psychological well-being and metabolic outcomes. They also reflect the benefit of physical activity for mental health, emphasizing the need to encourage exercise among individuals with diabetes or obesity.
Bahathig et al. (Wed,) studied this question.