Popular weight loss drugs may worsen eating disorders in patients
Revolutionary Weight Loss Drugs: A Double-Edged Sword?
Tonight’s original report examines the growing trend of patients developing Eating Disorders or exacerbating existing ones after taking popular weight loss medications, such as GLP-1 drugs like OIC and mararo.
A Complex Relationship with Food
Cynthia Landra, a patient who was diagnosed with binge eating disorder, experienced a dramatic change in her relationship with food after taking a GLP-1 drug. "It was like continuous thoughts about food," she recalls. "I was always thinking about my next meal, obsessing about one of my next snack." She began skipping meals and eating as little as 500 calories a day, leading to severe consequences, including low blood sugar levels and fainting.
An Emerging Trend
Doctors, like Dr. Thomas Hilderbrand, chief of the eating and weight disorders program at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, have reported an increase in new onset Eating Disorders or worsening of current Eating Disorders among patients taking GLP-1 drugs. "Their relationship with food, then became more obsessive, and their relationship with their weight and body also became obsessive," Dr. Hilderbrand says.
The Fine Line between Normal Reaction and Eating Disorder
It’s common for patients taking GLP-1 drugs to experience a decrease in appetite, leading to weight loss. However, sometimes this can cross a line into an eating disorder. Dr. Hilderbrand warns of a few signs to look out for:
- Inability to eat enough to maintain nutrition
- Preoccupation with a number on the scale
- Continuous focus on progress in weight loss
Major Eating Disorder Organizations Weigh In
Major eating disorder organizations are now calling for doctors to screen patients for conditions like anorexia or bulimia before prescribing GLP-1 drugs. Nova Nordisk, the maker of OIC, and Eli Lilly, the maker of Zep-bound, have issued statements emphasizing the importance of taking medications as prescribed and reporting any side effects to a healthcare provider.
For those considering taking GLP-1 drugs or already taking them, Dr. Hilderbrand recommends talking to a mental health professional to assess the risk of developing an eating disorder. Cynthia, the patient who experienced the negative effects of the drug, is now working with a psychologist to develop a healthy relationship with food.
The story of Cynthia and other patients who have experienced adverse effects from GLP-1 drugs serves as a warning about the potential risks of these medications. As the popularity of these drugs continues to grow, it’s essential for healthcare providers and patients to be aware of the signs of an eating disorder and take steps to prevent them.
