People With Eating Disorders Are Misusing Ozempic

Key Points:

• A recent study reveals that about one-third of people with eating disorders have used GLP-1 medications like semaglutide, with around 10% admitting to misuse, rates significantly higher than in the general population.
• GLP-1 drugs, effective for obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment, are being used by some with eating disorders to induce rapid weight loss, often obtained through unregulated or black market sources.
• The misuse includes starting at higher doses than prescribed, increasing doses prematurely, or sharing medication without prescriptions, raising concerns about safety and lack of medical oversight.
• While GLP-1s are not approved for treating eating disorders, some evidence suggests potential benefits for conditions like binge eating disorder, but misuse may lead to harmful restrictive behaviors or dangerously low body weights.
• Researchers emphasize the urgent need for pharmacovigilance and further studies to better understand GLP-1 use patterns among people with various eating disorders and to ensure safe, appropriate medication use.