Semaglutide Use Linked to Reduced Food-Related Intrusive Thoughts

Recent findings presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) annual meeting in Vienna reveal that individuals taking semaglutide for weight management experience a significant decrease in food-related intrusive thoughts, often referred to as food noise. Food noise involves persistent and intrusive preoccupations with food and eating, which can interfere with healthy lifestyle choices and contribute to overeating. Previous studies indicate that over half of those with overweight or obesity grapple with food noise, affecting their quality of life and well-being.

Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist marketed as Wegovy and Ozempic, is known for its efficacy in promoting weight loss by simulating a hormone that suppresses appetite, slows gastric emptying, and enhances satiety. However, little was known about its impact on food noise prior to this research.

A survey conducted by researchers from Novo Nordisk and Market Track LLC involved 550 US participants (average age 53, predominantly female) who used semaglutide for weight loss. Among them, 81% had been on the medication for over four months, with most weighing over 92kg before starting treatment.

Participants reported significant reductions in food noise after beginning semaglutide. The percentage experiencing constant thoughts about food throughout the day decreased from 62% to 16%. Those spending excessive time thinking about food dropped from 63% to 15%. Uncontrollable food thoughts fell from 53% to 15%, while the negative impact of these thoughts on daily life decreased from 60% to 20%. Additionally, distraction caused by food-related thoughts reduced from 47% to 15%.

Beyond specific thoughts about food, many participants also reported mental health benefits: 64% noted improvements in mental health, 76% in self-confidence, and 80% in developing healthier habits. While these enhancements could be related to weight loss, the study suggests that semaglutide may independently diminish food noise, thus positively affecting overall mental well-being.

These findings highlight the potential of semaglutide not only as a weight-loss aid but also as a means to ease the mental burden of food preoccupations that often accompany obesity. Further research is needed to clarify whether the mental health improvements are directly linked to reductions in food noise or are primarily a consequence of weight loss.