Ozempic and Eating Disorders: Relief, Risk, and What Comes Next
I recently read this Elle article about the rise of Ozempic use among people with eating disorders, and it resonated deeply with what I see in my practice. Many of my clients use GLP-1 medications because they quiet the relentless “food noise” — the constant mental chatter about food, calories, and control. That kind of relief can feel like a welcome pause after years of struggle.
But the quiet doesn’t last forever. When the medication is reduced or stopped, hunger and food thoughts often return — sometimes with more intensity. Without addressing the underlying emotional and behavioral patterns, clients risk being pulled back into old cycles. In my view, these medications can be helpful tools, but they’re not a cure. Long-term recovery still depends on doing the deeper work beneath the symptoms.
Key Takeaways from the Elle Article
Relief from “food noise” — GLP-1s like Ozempic can reduce obsessive thoughts about eating, calories, restriction, or bingeing.
Limited data — There’s little research on the safety or efficacy of these drugs in people with anorexia or bulimia.
Potential risks — Appetite suppression, nausea, and GI side effects can worsen restrictive behaviors or trigger purging.
Gaps in screening — Many people obtain these medications online without adequate evaluation for eating disorder risk.
Rebound effect — Appetite and food thoughts frequently return when the drug is stopped.
Thin line between healthy and disordered use — Some individuals slide into under-eating or malnutrition while on GLP-1s.
Takeaway
Ozempic and similar medications can provide real relief — but relief isn’t recovery. Therapy, self-reflection, and support systems remain essential for addressing the root causes of disordered eating. These medications can serve as a bridge, not a destination.
