Weight-loss jabs could work as antidepressants, research to be presented to the ongoing obesity summit in Spain will suggest.

Studies on more than 25,000 adults found evidence that the injections could have a powerful impact on the mind, as well as the body.

Scientists called for trials of the drugs to specifically treat mental illness, after research found the class of medication could help people beat the blues.

Experts believe appetite-suppressing drugs may have antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects, potentially due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties.

Researchers analysed 36 studies including 26,000 adults in 19 countries.

The findings, which will be presented to the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, showed that the weekly jabs improved mood, wellbeing and quality of life measures more than insulin and other anti-diabetic drugs

The injections slow digestion and reduce appetite by mimicking the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) hormone which regulates hunger and feelings of fullness.

Author Dr Sigrid Breit from the University of Bern, Switzerland, said: “GLP-1 RAs (receptor agonists) may have antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects, potentially due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, which can also help reduce neuroinflammation.”