*This is currently a hotly contested topic in the field of eating disorders. This article is meant to offer clarity, compassion, and practical advice for anyone navigating these choices.

GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are making headlines for their role in weight management. But if you’re considering these medications, it’s important to understand both their benefits and the potential risks, especially when it comes to eating disorders.

What Are GLP-1 Medications and How Do They Work?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications were developed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar. Recently, they’ve gained attention for supporting weight loss as well. Popular options include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.

These medications mimic a hormone that impacts hunger and insulin. GLP-1s help you feel full quicker and longer, which can lead to eating less and, for some, weight loss. Because of these effects, doctors sometimes prescribe them off-label to women who are struggling with both diabetes and body weight concerns.

Risks and Side Effects: The Link Between GLP-1s and Eating Disorders

While these medications may seem like a useful tool, there are important risks to consider. One area of concern is the potential for side effects related to eating behaviors. GLP-1s can cause nausea, decreased appetite, and changes in how you perceive hunger. For some women, this can mean a slippery slope from mindful eating to extremes like food restriction or unhealthy preoccupations with weight.

It is also important to consider that when you stop taking one of these medications, you are likely to experience weight regain and an increased appetite, which may also confuse your mind-body connection.

If you have a personal or family history of eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, GLP-1s can increase the risk of these conditions resurfacing or worsening. Even for women who haven’t experienced an eating disorder, the appetite-suppressing effects of these drugs may make it easier to slip into unhealthy eating habits without realizing it.

Warning Signs and Risk Factors to Watch For

Everyone’s body and experiences are unique, but there are some clear warning signs that may signal a problem:

• You find yourself skipping meals, avoiding food groups, or obsessively tracking everything you eat.
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety after eating begin to surface.
• Thoughts about weight and body image become overwhelming.
• Friends or loved ones notice changes in your mood, behavior, or appearance.
• You have a history of anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or prior eating disorders.

If you notice any of these signs in yourself, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means your body and mind are giving you important information, and it’s okay to listen.

How to Get Help If You’re Struggling

Reaching out for support is a sign of self-care and strength. Connecting with a therapist who has experience with eating disorders can be incredibly helpful. Therapy provides a safe, confidential space to talk about concerns, learn healthy coping skills, and set realistic, compassionate goals.

If you’re working with a doctor to start or continue GLP-1 medications, be honest about your history and any challenges you’re facing. Your care team can tailor your treatment and offer additional monitoring or resources if you need them.