Healthline‘Ozempic Personality’: Why You May Not Act Like Yourself on Weight Loss Drugs

Exploring the Impact of GLP-1 Medications on Mental Health and Social Behaviors

Recent discussions around the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) like Ozempic and Wegovy have spotlighted not only their efficacy in weight management but also potential side effects impacting mental health, dubbed “Ozempic personality.” Although this term is not scientifically validated, it reflects anecdotal reports of mood alterations among users. This summary delineates key findings from recent studies and expert opinions, aiming to provide healthcare professionals with a balanced view of these effects.

Key Points:

• The term “Ozempic personality” describes reported changes in mood and behavior among users of GLP-1 medications, including increased anxiety, depression, and anhedonia.
• Despite anecdotal evidence, a large-scale study found no significant link between GLP-1 medications and suicidal ideation, challenging the notion of adverse mental effects.
• Experts emphasize the drugs’ role in changing relationships with food, which can alter social behaviors and perceived personality traits.
• Research indicates that GLP-1 medications might influence the dopamine system, potentially reducing cravings and addictive behaviors.
• Studies suggest GLP-1 drugs could be beneficial in treating substance use disorders by modulating reward pathways traditionally involved in addiction.
• Healthcare professionals are encouraged to consider both the mental and physical challenges patients may encounter with GLP-1 drugs, suggesting a comprehensive approach to patient care.

“You’re soothing yourself with all these bad foods and developing obesity, and so now you don’t feel like rewarding yourself with sugary food, and you’re in a bad mood. It’s not the Ozempic that did that. It was the addiction in the first place. That’s how I think people should look at this.”
– Caroline Apovian, MD, a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the co-director of the Center for Weight Management and Wellness at Brigham and Women’s Hospital

More on Mood Disorders