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Most disturbingly, people who are using Ozempic-style drugs are reporting concerning mental health changes that have led experts to coin the term “Ozempic personality.” Here, we’ll explore the growing popularity of these drugs and their potentially serious side effects, including how they may manipulate your mind.
The medications known broadly as Ozempic actually include various drugs, such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. These are all glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs).
Back in 2015, a review of clinical studies reported that this category of drugs offered “attractive options for the treatment of type 2 diabetes,” due to their abilities to lower both A1C (blood sugar levels) and weight.
At that time—now nearly a decade ago—the review noted that this class of drugs had grown over the previous decade. Several types were already available in the U.S. and Europe, and several more were being developed.
The researchers explained that GLP-1 RAs provide the body with GLP-1, a peptide hormone, with the ultimate effect of reducing glucose and weight through several mechanisms:
However, while these drugs have existed for years, 2023 ushered in such a widespread awareness of them that publications like The New Yorker called it “The Year of Ozempic.”
Also in 2023, Science named GLP-1 RAs as its Breakthrough of the Year. The journal praised these drugs’ potential for lowering obesity (and its associated chronic diseases), heart attack and stroke risk, and the symptoms of heart failure.
It’s important to note that Ozempic, designed to fight type 2 diabetes, is not advertised as a weight-loss drug. Others in the category—like Wegovy, made by the same manufacturer—are. But these drugs have in common the side effect of weight loss, which was seized upon by an American public that notoriously struggles with weight issues.
According to data from the 2017-18 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), nearly 1 in 3 adults (30.7%) are overweight, and more than 2 in 5 (42.4%) are obese. Among children ages 2-19, 16.1% are overweight and 19.3% are obese.
It’s no surprise that so many people are seeking a “magic bullet,” such as Ozempic, to help them with their weight-loss goals. But drugs like Ozempic, Saxenda, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound do not come without side effects.
Since these drugs have surged in popularity (even triggering availability shortages), both the media and users have reported on a few of their downsides. “Ozempic face” describes a hollowed, sunken, or sagging facial appearance. “Ozempic butt” refers to a similar type of sagging in the buttocks area.
But more concerning than any physical side effects are the reports of users experiencing mental health problems and personality changes as a result of taking these drugs.
“Ozempic personality” refers to mood and behavior changes in people taking the drugs. According to numerous reports, GLP-1 RAs are causing mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts in users. Medical experts told the New York Post that there could be several reasons for these changes, including:
The New York Post also pointed out that drugs advertised for weight loss, like Wegovy and Saxenda, are required to warn users about the possibility of suicidal thoughts. But Ozempic, the treatment targeting diabetes, doesn’t need to carry the same warning.
Similarly, a report by NPR in September 2023 warned of the “possible mental health side effects” that users were increasingly reporting after taking these medications. The article noted that the FDA had fielded nearly 500 complaints through its adverse event reporting system.
These patients complained of side effects like anxiety and depression, as well as suicidal thoughts, while taking semaglutide drugs (a category that describes Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus). NPR adds that suicidal thoughts were reported in 96 of the complaints—and 5 of the patients died as a result, though it’s not known whether these drugs were the cause.
In another less-serious, but still disruptive, side effect, some patients have experienced a lack of interest in sex or loss of libido. This can be related to the anhedonia (a common symptom in people with depression) that some Ozempic users have also reported.
Anhedonia describes a loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities, and a lack of ability to feel pleasure. In fact, the way that these weight-loss drugs impact dopamine, desire, and cravings has led experts to explore their potential for treatment of other addictions.
Side effects may also occur due to the lifestyle changes that these weight-loss drugs inspire. We know that ultra-processed foods and sugar are addictive substances, and it’s not unusual for people to struggle with mental health issues or mood changes due to addiction withdrawal.
Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, for example, have also shown an increased risk for mental health conditions like clinical depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, psychotic syndromes, and suicide.
Others may be simply reckoning with themselves in a new way after losing weight. While maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for better health overall, it’s not a cure-all that guarantees quality of life or optimal mental health. This can trigger feelings of demoralization or disillusionment, and even symptoms of depression.
While we can only speculate on the future of GLP-1 RAs, there appear to be no shortcuts to permanently enjoying better health. A 2022 study of nearly 2,000 adults found that, within 1 year after taking semaglutide drugs weekly for 68 weeks, participants regained two-thirds of the weight they had lost. Their cardiometabolic improvements reflected similar results.
In addition, semaglutide GLP-1 RAs have been studied for their potential for abuse, misuse, and withdrawal effects. One study published in 2022 warned that non-obese patients who simply desired minor weight loss could be prone to abusing these drugs as “image- and performance-enhancing” substances.
Despite these drugs’ growing popularity among Americans, the safest way to lose weight is still through the tried-and-true methods versus quick fixes. Instead of reaching for an injection that may harm your body and brain, aim for a healthy diet that eliminates ultra-processed foods, a regular exercise routine, proper sleep, and stress reduction.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of the “Ozempic personality,” such as depressed mood, increased anxiousness, or suicidal ideation, reach out for help from a mental health professional immediately. (In cases of emergency, contact 911 or 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.)
The long-term effects of drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound will only be revealed in the years and decades to come. But even the short-term downsides for mental health can be devastating—or possibly even deadly.
Educate yourself before starting any new medication, and always remain on the lookout for mental health changes that may signal a serious issue.
Reviewed by Amen Clinics Inc. Clinicians
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https://www.science.org/content/article/breakthrough-of-the-year-2023
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/2023-in-review/the-year-of-ozempic
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health, Overweight & Obesity Statistics: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity
New York Post, “Ozempic use appears to be changing people’s personalities—experts think they know why,” by Adriana Diaz, https://nypost.com/2024/04/17/lifestyle/experts-reveal-why-ozempic-appears-to-change-peoples-personalities/
NPR, “As Ozempic use grows, so do reports of possible mental health side effects,” by Sydney Lupkin, https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/09/21/1200201186/as-ozempic-use-grows-so-do-reports-of-possible-mental-health-side-effects
Vox, “Is Ozempic an anti-desire drug?” by Brian Resnick, https://www.vox.com/science/24086968/glp-1-ozempic-semaglutide-craving-desire-science-wanting-liking-opioids-alcohol
Francois Z, Rizvi A. Psychiatric Complications of Bariatric Surgery. [Updated 2024 May 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK604208/
Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Kandler K, Konakli K, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Oral TK, Rosenstock J, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Kushner RF; STEP 1 Study Group. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022 Aug;24(8):1553-1564. doi: 10.1111/dom.14725. Epub 2022 May 19. PMID: 35441470; PMCID: PMC9542252.
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