WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Weight Management in the Context of Mental Health
It is estimated that 20-60% of people with obesity also have a mental health disorder like depression, anxiety, insomnia, and eating disorders. In addition, medications used to treat these conditions can affect appetite or metabolism, hence leading to changes in body weight.
At Verve Psychiatry, we offer thoughtful, evidence-based weight management support, including GLP-1 medications when clinically appropriate. Treatment is always integrated with psychiatric care, sleep optimization, nutritional strategies, and ongoing symptom monitoring.
Our goal is to optimize all factors that contribute to better mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 receptor agonists (including Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro) are medications that work by:
1. Regulating appetite and making you feel full 2. Improving insulin sensitivity 3. Reducing food “noise” and cravings 4. Supporting metabolic health
Do you prescribe GLP-1 medications for cosmetic weight loss?
No. At Verve Psychiatry, these medications are prescribed when weight gain is associated with:
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Psychiatric medications
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Emotional or stress-related eating
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Sleep problems or sleep apnea
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Metabolic risk factors (insulin resistance, prediabetes)
Why does weight gain happen with psychiatric medications?
Some antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics can:
*Increase appetite *Alter metabolism *Affect energy levels *Change how the body regulates glucose
Weight gain in this context is biologically driven — not a matter of willpower.
Can GLP-1 medications affect mood?
In most patients, GLP-1 medications do not negatively affect mood. However, we monitor carefully for:
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Mood changes
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Anxiety
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Changes in sleep
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Disordered eating patterns
Do I need to already be a psychiatric patient to access this service?
Yes. Weight management support, including GLP-1 medications, is offered with ongoing psychiatric care.
Our Integrative Approach
GLP-1 medications are never prescribed in isolation.
At Verve Psychiatry, treatment may include:
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Medication changes (including reviewing psychiatric medications that may contribute to weight gain)
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Nutrition guidance
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Improving sleep and sleep apnea screening
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Exercise recommendations tailored to mental health recovery
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Supportive therapy and cognitive behavioral strategies
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Monitoring for mood changes and side effects
Who may be a good candidate?
You may benefit from an evaluation if you:
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Gained weight after starting psychiatric medication
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Struggle with binge or impulsive eating
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Have co-occurring sleep apnea
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Feel metabolically slowed despite mood stability
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Have prediabetes or insulin resistance
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Hormonal or metabolic vulnerability
Weight gain is not a failure of willpower. It is often biologically driven — and it deserves medical attention, not shame. Mental health stability always comes first.
Important Considerations
GLP-1 medications are powerful tools, but they are not for everyone. We carefully review:
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Medical history
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Eating disorder history
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Family history (including thyroid cancer syndromes)
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Current psychiatric stability
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Potential medication interactions
Our goal is sustainable health — not rapid or extreme weight loss.
If weight changes are affecting your physical health, confidence, or decision to continue treatment, we can address this collaboratively and without judgment.