GLP-1s and Eating Disorders: The Risks We’re Not Talking About: Insights From The Podcast
GLP-1s are everywhere these days! From injectables to the new oral medication, GLP-1s seem to be all anyone is talking about. We’ve written about GLP-1s on the blog before, but with the latest hype and research, we had to do a podcast episode!
In the episode, we dive deep into the complex relationship between o*esity as a disease, eating disorders, and the medical community's ever-evolving perspectives. We bring clinical insights, research around weight cycling, the mental health impacts of GLP-1s, and discuss if it’s actually the ‘wonder drug’ it claims to be.
Why This Conversation Matters
As of 2024–2025,
~12% of U.S. adults report having taken a GLP-1 at some point
~6% are currently taking one
~93 million Americans technically meet prescribing criteria
Again, GLP-1s are everywhere. What seems to be missing from many of the conversations is informed consent about the full impacts of taking the medication. This is a crucial piece that can get lost in the allure of the marketing. And because we specialize in eating disorders and disordered eating, it’s important to have a more in-depth conversation.
GLP-1s, Food Noise, Weight Loss, and the Illusion of Control Podcast Key Takeaways
Much of the research is focused on weight loss outcomes
Additionally, the research is based only on 1-2 years' worth of data. Research is lacking when it comes to the mental health effects, the effects of low-dose usage, whether health benefits occur independent of weight loss, and the long-term effects. Research is heavily focused on white cis men and white cis women, with little research on the impacts on BIPOC, trans and queer folks, along with folks who have mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, anxiety, or depressive disorders.
Are folks actually getting “better” and what’s the definition of better?
Studies are showing that folks taking GLP-1s report reduced pleasure from eating, emotional flattening, anxiety around hunger returning, and fear of stopping the medication. Health benefits like blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol improvements are reversed when the medication is stopped. Discontinuation of the medication can also increase rebound hunger, weight regain (4x as fast), and increased binge urges.
Folks with eating disorders are prescribed and take GLP-1s.
Due to a lack of ED screening, weight stigma and bias (more than 90% of folks with EDs do not fall into the medically underweight category), and ED symptoms sounding like a reason to be prescribed GLP-1s (food noise, thinking about food all the time, etc.), folks with active EDs are taking GLP-1s. This is significant because restriction is a primary risk factor for ED relapse and symptom increase. The mechanism of GLP-1s is to foster restriction through delayed gastric emptying. GLP-1s should not be the treatment for EDs.
Hunger suppression does not equal mental health treatment.
Hunger is a biological process that has been heavily demonized by diet culture. “Food noise”, something GLP-1s work to stop, will come back when the medication is discontinued. Without properly addressing this, it can increase internal shame.
It’s the system, not the individual.
While some might say it’s not ‘as deep’ as white supremacy, anti-Blackness, or capitalism, diet culture is built on these systems of oppression. The system was designed decades ago to be set up to have us constantly questioning our worth and spending dollars to try to fix our insecurities. We can’t fight the system if we are not nourished!
Who This Episode Is For
Folks who want to learn more about GLP-1s
People taking GLP-1s who want more information
Folks considering taking a GLP-1
Moving Forward
One resource we mention in the podcast is the informed consent guide from Medical Students for Size Inclusivity, and we wanted to share it HERE as well. We have much more to say on GLP-1s, so be on the lookout for more episodes. If you are interested in working with a therapist or dietitian at CCN, please reach out today!
