People with severe mental illness (SMI; schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder) die 15-20 years earlier than people without SMI and experience higher rates of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. GLP1-Receptor agonists show promise for improving health outcomes, however their use among people with SMI is not well understood.
What is already known about the subject
GLP1-Ras are effective at reducing blood sugar and reducing weight in the general population and people with SMI. However, how people with SMI can access or are provided GLP1-Ra’s, the adverse effects they experience, the impact on other clinical outcomes and the acceptability of GLP1-Ra’s is not as well understood.
What we will do
We will carry out a scoping review to map the available evidence and policy guidelines on how GLP1-Ras have been evaluated, provided to and accessed by people with SMI.
What the benefit and impact will be
This review will identify key areas of uncertainty for further research and policy development to ensure equitable access to GLP1 Ras for people with SMI.
Findings will be available on November 2026
How we are planning for knowledge mobilisation and implementation
We are working closely with BDCFT and the MH-TRC to build on the findings from the scoping review so we can ensure future research and interventions address the key gaps in the research.
