A recent study led by Dr. Siskind has sparked calls for the subsidization of Ozempic, a weight-loss drug, for individuals living with schizophrenia. Overall, the study found very promising outcomes. Those participants in the group taking the medication that contained the active component semaglutide lost an average of 13.5 percent of their starting weight by 36 weeks. Just as importantly, many of these same patients are getting hit hard with weight gain from their expected mental health medications. The recommendations make it clear that we should move quickly to ensure affordable access to Ozempic.
Ozempic is generally prescribed to help improve weight loss and control blood sugar levels. In Australia, a month’s supply via a private RX would cost anywhere from $130-$200. Yet the reality is that many people living with schizophrenia cannot even afford this cost. Experts are urging the Australian government to include its use on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This change is intended to increase access for the beneficiaries most in need.
The 36-week study of 31 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia found their results to be more favorable than those taking a placebo. These promising results underscore the promise of pharmacological interventions such as the new diabetes drug Ozempic. These treatments can have a profoundly positive impact on weight maintenance—a critical factor in this vulnerable population.
The Impact of Weight Gain on Mental Health
Dr. Siskind shines a light on the immense psychological and physical burdens that individuals with schizophrenia face. One major concern is the weight gain associated with antipsychotic drugs. He notes that “there is this epidemic of cardio-metabolic disease among people living with schizophrenia, and I think we’ve found a medication that can help turn that around.”
Beyond the clinical impact, patients frequently grapple with exacerbated feelings of stigmatization and social isolation due to frustration over increased weight. “When people stop their medication, they get really unwell. They get re-hospitalised,” Dr. Siskind explains. The stigma surrounding this weight gain is tremendous. These challenges all contribute to a particularly alarming statistic that is often found. As Dr. Siskind points out, people with schizophrenia can expect to die 20 years younger than the rest of us, mostly due to obesity and other health complications.
Making effective weight-loss strategies—such as ozempic—available to more patients is key to improving quality of life. Dr. Siskind’s research illustrates just how powerful pharmacological interventions can be. These treatments can have a powerful synergistic effect on initiatives to address diet and exercise among patients with serious mental illness.
The Case for Subsidizing Ozempic
Ozempic’s exorbitant price tag has made headlines for its inaccessibility, particularly for people living with schizophrenia. The fact is, millions lack the disposable income to pay out of pocket for the medication. Because of this, researchers and advocates are calling for its addition to the PBS. A spokesperson for the federal health department stated, “Decisions to list new medicines on the PBS rely on pharmaceutical companies making applications to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).” They further clarified that “the government cannot make a new PBS listing unless it has been recommended by the PBAC.”
The need for accessible treatment options is echoed by nutritionist Donni Johnston, who emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy diet alongside medications like Ozempic. “We should have better choices than being either physically unwell or mentally unwell,” Johnston asserts. Additionally, she emphasizes that chronic conditions, like obesity, might worsen mental health symptoms, creating a vicious cycle of illness.
Future Directions for Research and Treatment
Dr. Siskind’s study will be coming out soon in Lancet Psychiatry. Its findings will dramatically advance our understanding of current and future treatment strategies for schizophrenia. “It really showed how tolerable and feasible this medication was,” Dr. Siskind commented on the participants’ experiences with Ozempic. His patients sang his praises, reporting that his demeanor made them feel at ease and proud of their recovery.
Luckily, researchers have been busily identifying the most effective interventions to serve this population. Plus, they understand that meeting lifestyle as well as pharmacologic needs is key to developing effective treatment plans. Johnston stresses that “we know that having a healthy diet impacts our feelings of anxiety and depression and some of those symptoms of mental illness.” This person-centered and holistic approach has the potential to act as a foundation for more multifaceted care models.
