Nutrients, Vol. 17, Pages 3735: Beyond Weight Loss: GLP-1 Usage and Appetite Regulation in the Context of Eating Disorders and Psychosocial Processes
Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu17233735
Authors:
Isabel Krug
An Binh Dang
Jade Portingale
Yakun Li
Ying Qing Won
Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have transformed treatment for higher weight and diabetes. Because they also influence appetite and reward processes, these medications may shape eating behaviours, emotions, and body image, raising new challenges for eating disorder (ED) research and clinical care. This narrative review synthesises emerging evidence on the psychological and behavioural effects of GLP-1RA use within a biopsychosocial and equity framework. Method: Using a narrative, non-systematic approach, we conducted targeted searches across major databases (2015–September 2025) with combined GLP-1RA and psychological or ED-related terms, supplemented by cross-referencing. Inclusion criteria focused on empirical, theoretical, and clinically meaningful psychological, behavioural, and sociocultural outcomes, enabling a conceptually driven synthesis of the psychological effects of GLP-1RA use. Results: GLP-1RAs reduce hunger and binge-eating frequency, suggesting possible benefits for binge-type EDs. However, evidence for restrictive EDs remains limited, and appetite suppression may reinforce rigid control or perfectionistic traits. Although short-term reductions in emotional eating have been reported, the long-term psychological safety of GLP-1RAs is unknown. Rapid, medication-driven weight loss may disrupt body perception, while social media discourse glamorises thinness and intensifies stigma. These psychosocial effects intersect with inequities in access, disproportionately affecting adolescents and individuals from culturally diverse or socioeconomically marginalised groups. Conclusions: GLP-1RAs sit at the intersection of medical innovation and psychological risk. To ensure safe and inclusive use, research and clinical practice should integrate developmental, cultural, and lived-experience perspectives. Co-designed research and multidisciplinary monitoring will be essential to reduce stigma, address inequities, and support psychologically informed care.
Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have transformed treatment for higher weight and diabetes. Because they also influence appetite and reward processes, these medications may shape eating behaviours, emotions, and body image, raising new challenges for eating disorder (ED) research and clinical care. This narrative review synthesises emerging evidence on the psychological and behavioural effects of GLP-1RA use within a biopsychosocial and equity framework. Method: Using a narrative, non-systematic approach, we conducted targeted searches across major databases (2015–September 2025) with combined GLP-1RA and psychological or ED-related terms, supplemented by cross-referencing. Inclusion criteria focused on empirical, theoretical, and clinically meaningful psychological, behavioural, and sociocultural outcomes, enabling a conceptually driven synthesis of the psychological effects of GLP-1RA use. Results: GLP-1RAs reduce hunger and binge-eating frequency, suggesting possible benefits for binge-type EDs. However, evidence for restrictive EDs remains limited, and appetite suppression may reinforce rigid control or perfectionistic traits. Although short-term reductions in emotional eating have been reported, the long-term psychological safety of GLP-1RAs is unknown. Rapid, medication-driven weight loss may disrupt body perception, while social media discourse glamorises thinness and intensifies stigma. These psychosocial effects intersect with inequities in access, disproportionately affecting adolescents and individuals from culturally diverse or socioeconomically marginalised groups. Conclusions: GLP-1RAs sit at the intersection of medical innovation and psychological risk. To ensure safe and inclusive use, research and clinical practice should integrate developmental, cultural, and lived-experience perspectives. Co-designed research and multidisciplinary monitoring will be essential to reduce stigma, address inequities, and support psychologically informed care. Read More