People with eating disorders are taking GLP-1s, and doctors are alarmed

Key Points:

• GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound, widely promoted for weight loss, are raising concerns among doctors and eating disorder specialists due to their appetite-suppressing effects, which can trigger or worsen eating disorders.
• Patients, including teens who sometimes lie about their age online, are obtaining these medications easily through telehealth platforms, leading to increased cases of relapse or new onset of eating disorders.
• Medical experts warn that GLP-1 drugs interfere with natural hunger cues essential for eating disorder recovery, yet FDA labels do not list eating disorders as a side effect, and routine screening for eating disorders before prescribing these drugs is not standard practice.
• Personal stories highlight the dangers of GLP-1 misuse, such as rapid weight loss, extreme food restriction, and severe health complications, underscoring the addictive potential and psychological harm associated with these medications.
• Manufacturers and regulators acknowledge the importance of individualized medical evaluation but have not issued specific warnings or restrictions regarding eating disorder risks, while calls grow for greater awareness and caution in prescribing GLP-1 drugs.