Do I need to have diabetes to benefit from semaglutide if I take antipsychotics?

This study specifically included people with early blood sugar problems (prediabetes range) who did not yet have full type 2 diabetes. The results suggest early intervention may help prevent diabetes from developing, but your doctor should assess whether it's right for you.

What side effects did patients experience with semaglutide in this study?

The most common side effects were gastrointestinal — such as nausea — which are well-known with semaglutide. These were generally mild and temporary. Importantly, there were no significant psychiatric side effects.

Why are people with schizophrenia at higher risk for diabetes?

Second-generation antipsychotic medications like clozapine and olanzapine can cause weight gain, increase blood sugar levels, and affect how the body processes insulin, raising the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes over time.

Semaglutide Improves Blood Sugar in Schizophrenia Patients

Key takeaways

✓43% of semaglutide patients reached healthy blood sugar levels vs. only 3% on placebo
✓Patients lost an average of 9.2 kg (20 lbs) more than the placebo group
✓Psychiatric symptoms did not worsen — semaglutide appeared safe alongside antipsychotic medication

Quick specs

Journal	JAMA psychiatry
Year	2026
PMID	41335431

What Was This Study About?

People with schizophrenia who take certain antipsychotic medications — particularly clozapine or olanzapine — have a much higher risk of developing obesity, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Researchers in Denmark wanted to see if adding the diabetes/weight medication semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) could help protect these patients early, before full diabetes develops.

How Was the Study Done?

73 adults (average age 35, average BMI 36) with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and early blood sugar problems were randomly assigned to receive either weekly semaglutide injections (1 mg) or a placebo for 26 weeks. All participants continued their antipsychotic medication throughout the trial. Neither patients nor researchers knew who received the real medication until the study ended.

What Did They Find?

After 26 weeks, the semaglutide group showed meaningful improvements across several important health measures:

Blood sugar (HbA1c) dropped significantly — 43% of semaglutide patients reached healthy blood sugar levels vs. only 3% in the placebo group.
Body weight fell by an average of 9.2 kg (about 20 lbs) more than placebo.
Waist circumference shrank by 7 cm more than placebo.
Body fat decreased by 6.1 kg more than placebo.

Was It Safe?

Importantly, psychiatric symptoms did not worsen in the semaglutide group compared to placebo — a key concern when adding new medications to antipsychotic treatment. Some patients experienced mild, temporary stomach-related side effects (nausea, etc.), which is typical with this class of medication. Cholesterol, blood pressure, and liver function were similar between both groups.

What Does This Mean for Patients?

If you or a loved one takes clozapine or olanzapine and has been told your blood sugar is creeping up, this study suggests that semaglutide could be a safe and effective early intervention to help prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes and reduce heart disease risk. Always discuss any medication changes with your doctor or care team.

References & Sources

Frequently asked questions

Based on this trial, semaglutide appeared safe when added to clozapine or olanzapine treatment. Psychiatric symptoms were no worse than placebo. However, always consult your doctor before starting any new medication.

Editorial note

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diabetes management. Last reviewed: July 16, 2026 by the MDS Diabetes editorial team.

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Semaglutide Cuts Blood Sugar & Weight in Schizophrenia Patients