Many people living with schizophrenia face a double challenge. Antipsychotic medications help control symptoms and bring stability, but they often increase appetite, cause weight gain, and raise blood sugar levels. Over time, this can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and other physical health problems that make life harder than it needs to be.

Now, there is growing evidence that semaglutide—a medicine originally used for diabetes and weight management—may offer real help for people experiencing weight gain and prediabetes due to antipsychotic treatment. Most importantly, it appears to do this without affecting mental stability.

A major clinical study has shown just how effective semaglutide can be for this group.

What Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a once-weekly injection that helps:

• Reduce hunger

• Promote steady, healthy weight loss

• Improve blood sugar control

• Lower the risk of diabetes

• Boost physical well-being

It works on appetite centers in the brain and helps the body handle sugar more efficiently. It’s already widely used for people with diabetes and obesity, and researchers wanted to see whether it would be just as safe and helpful for individuals taking antipsychotics.

What Did the Study Do?

Adults with schizophrenia who were taking antipsychotic medicines—and also had overweight or prediabetes—were followed for 30 weeks. Half received semaglutide once a week, while the other half received a placebo injection.

Their mental health, weight, waist circumference, energy levels, and sugar levels were closely tracked.

The Results Were Very Promising

1. Blood Sugar Levels Improved Greatly

People on semaglutide saw clear drops in their blood sugar. Many even moved out of the prediabetes range entirely. This is important because prediabetes can silently progress into full diabetes over time.

2. Meaningful Weight Loss

People taking semaglutide lost about 9 kilograms (almost 20 pounds) on average.

They also had smaller waist and hip measurements, which suggests semaglutide reduces deep belly fat—the type most linked to diabetes and heart disease.

For many people on antipsychotics, this degree of weight loss feels out of reach. Semaglutide made it possible.

3. Better Physical Well-Being

Participants on semaglutide reported:

• More energy

• Feeling lighter

• Being able to do daily activities more comfortably

These improvements translate to better confidence and better functioning.

4. No Impact on Mental Health

Crucially, semaglutide did not worsen symptoms of schizophrenia.
There was:

• No increase in hallucinations

• No worsening of mood

• No rise in hospital admissions for psychiatric reasons

Mental health remained stable throughout treatment.

Side Effects

The most common side effects were mild stomach-related issues like:

• Nausea

• Constipation

• Stomach discomfort

These generally reduced with time. Serious problems were rare.

Why This Study Matters

For years, the story has been the same: treat schizophrenia effectively, but accept the cost of weight gain and sugar problems. This often leads to low energy, reduced confidence, increased health complications, and shorter lifespan.

Semaglutide suggests a new story.

It may help people on antipsychotics:

• Lose weight

• Control their sugar levels

• Feel physically better

• Lower their long-term health risks

—all while staying mentally stable.

This is a significant shift toward more complete, whole-person care.

A More Hopeful Path Forward

If you or a loved one is dealing with weight gain, prediabetes, or physical tiredness due to antipsychotic medications, semaglutide may be a safe and helpful option to explore with your psychiatrist.

It doesn’t replace the psychiatric medicines that maintain stability, but it can support the body to stay healthy, strong, and energetic.

Better mental health and better physical health can—and should—go together.

For Consultations, Guidance, and Personalized Care

Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T, MD (AIIMS), DNB, MBA (BITS Pilani)
Consultant Psychiatrist & Neurofeedback Specialist
Mind & Memory Clinic, Apollo Clinic Velachery (Opp. Phoenix Mall)
✉ srinivasaiims@gmail.com 📞 +91-8595155808