Additional Coverage:
- ‘I know I’m not taking it for the right reasons’: The hidden dilemma of Ozempic (businessinsider.com)
GLP-1 Drugs: A Double-Edged Sword in the Fight Against Obesity
New diabetes and weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are proving to be a complex issue for those with eating disorders. While intended for patients with diabetes or chronic obesity, these drugs have become popular for weight loss, raising concerns among experts about their potential to trigger or exacerbate eating disorders.
Chevese Turner, CEO of the Body Equity Alliance, was prescribed Mounjaro for diabetes but hesitated to take it due to her history of binge eating disorder and atypical anorexia. Despite her concerns, the drug suppressed her appetite and led to weight loss, causing her distress and a disconnect from her intuitive eating practices. Her endocrinologist, however, dismissed her worries, highlighting a concerning lack of understanding about eating disorders among some medical professionals.
The impact of GLP-1 drugs on those with eating disorders is becoming increasingly evident in treatment centers across the country. Eating Recovery Centers has seen a significant rise in patients admitted while already using a GLP-1 drug, including a 14-year-old.
Similarly, Monte Nido has reported a 25% to 33% increase in patients using GLP-1 medications upon entering treatment, many of whom have binge eating disorder. Worryingly, patients often conceal their GLP-1 use due to shame and fear of having their medication discontinued.
One patient, Rose, who has a history of restrictive eating and bulimia, obtained Ozempic for diabetes but used it primarily for weight loss, despite concerns from her endocrinologist, dietician, and therapist. The drug suppressed her appetite and led to significant weight loss, but also triggered a relapse into restrictive eating patterns. She now faces the dilemma of how to discontinue the medication and maintain a healthy relationship with food.
The widespread use of GLP-1 drugs raises important questions about appropriate prescribing practices and the need for increased awareness of eating disorders among medical professionals. Experts warn that routine screening for eating disorders should be implemented in settings where these drugs are prescribed.
The lack of training and education on eating disorders among many general medical practitioners is a significant concern, particularly when treating patients with larger bodies who may be misdiagnosed as simply needing to lose weight. The long-term effects of GLP-1 drugs on health are still unknown, adding another layer of complexity to this issue.
Read More About This Story:
- ‘I know I’m not taking it for the right reasons’: The hidden dilemma of Ozempic (businessinsider.com)