Wegovy, Similar Weight Loss Drugs May Trigger or Worsen Eating Disorders

A recent NBC News report has shed light on the potential risks associated with the use of weight loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound. These blockbuster drugs, belonging to the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), have been hailed as game-changers in the fight against obesity. However, a growing number of healthcare professionals are now raising the alarm over a troubling trend – the potential link between these weight loss drugs and the development or exacerbation of eating disorders, including anorexia.

The Allure and Dangers of GLP-1 Agonists

GLP-1 RA medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) have become increasingly popular in recent years, with millions of Americans using them to achieve significant weight loss. These drugs work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1, which regulates blood sugar levels and suppresses appetite. In clinical trials, people taking the highest doses of these medications have experienced remarkable weight loss, shedding up to 21% of their body weight.

However, the very mechanisms that make these drugs effective in promoting weight loss have also raised concerns among healthcare providers. Some experts believe that the dramatic, sudden weight loss experienced by patients using GLP-1 RAs may be interpreted by the brain as a state of starvation, triggering a compulsive drive to further restrict food intake. This, in turn, can lead to the development or exacerbation of eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, where individuals become obsessed with maintaining an unhealthy low body weight.

Eating Disorders on the Rise Worldwide

The prevalence of eating disorders has been on the rise in recent years, increasing from 3.5% in 2000 to 7.8% in 2018. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, more than 28 million Americans will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime. Alarmed by the potential for Wegovy to trigger or worsen existing eating disorders, healthcare professionals are urging greater awareness and caution when prescribing GLP-1 RA medications like Wegovy for weight loss. 

Dr. Tom Hildebrandt, who leads the Center of Excellence in Eating and Weight Disorders at Mount Sinai in New York City, has reported seeing a concerning increase in patients with eating disorders who are taking these weight loss drugs. “They start using this drug and next thing you know, they’ve developed what looks very much like anorexia nervosa,” Hildebrandt told NBC News.

The Risks for Adolescents and Young Adults

Experts are particularly concerned about the potential for abuse or the development of eating disorders in adolescents and young adults. Wegovy, for instance, is approved for use in children as young as 12 years old. Given the already high prevalence of eating disorders among this age group, the introduction of powerful weight loss drugs could have devastating consequences. 

Drug Makers Accused of Failure to Include Adequate Warnings

Despite these growing concerns, the drug labels for obesity medications currently do not include any warnings about the potential risk of eating disorders. This lack of information has led to calls for more transparency and accountability from the manufacturers of these drugs.

The story of Cynthia Landrau, a 28-year-old woman from Queens, New York, serves as a poignant example of the potential health risks associated with GLP-1 RA medications. Landrau started taking Mounjaro last year for obesity. While she initially experienced a 30-pound weight loss, she soon found herself spiraling into an unhealthy cycle of further restricting her diet, consuming only about one-third of the recommended caloric intake for a woman her age.

“You begin to realize that you do not want to eat,” Landrau said. “You are not eating. And you are OK with that because you want to lose weight. That’s when it crosses the line” from healthy weight loss into an eating disorder. Landrau’s experience highlights the insidious nature of these medications and the need for close monitoring and support for individuals using them.

Ozempic, Wegovy Users Seeking Compensation Through Lawsuits

As the number of individuals reporting severe side effects related to the use of GLP-1 RA medications continues to rise, a wave of product liability lawsuits has emerged. The majority of plaintiffs pursuing Ozempic and Wegovy lawsuits are seeking compensation from Novo Nordisk for gastrointestinal issues, such as persistent vomiting and gastroparesis or stomach paralysis. However, individuals who have suffered from eating disorders while taking Wegovy for weight loss may also be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries.