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Amid the rapid rise in semaglutide usage, a study has suggested a potential risk of a rare eye condition associated with the weight loss drug. Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), is available under the brand name Ozempic (by Novo Nordisk) in a lower-dose form for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and as Wegovy (also by Novo Nordisk) in a higher-dose form for weight management in patients with high body mass indexes. Anecdotal evidence has indicated that semaglutide might be linked to nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). To investigate this potential connection, researchers in the United States analysed data over a six-year period from nearly 17,000 neuro-ophthalmology patients at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, all of whom had no prior history of NAION.

Following a comprehensive review, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has concluded that current evidence does not support a causal link between Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and suicidal behaviour, suicidal ideation, self-injury, or depression. GLP-1 receptor agonists , which contain active ingredients such as exenatide, lixisenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, and semaglutide, are commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. In July 2023, concerns were raised about the safety of these receptor agonists after post-marketing reports suggested a potential risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harm associated with these medications. As a result, safety reviews were initiated by the Market Authorisation Holders (MAHs), evaluating the UK post-marketing data to assess the potential risks of these drugs. These reviews also examined the risk of depression in the interest of patient safety following reports of these side effects.