Mia's Feed
Mental Health & Mindfulness

Link Between Prescription Weight-Loss Drugs and Disordered Eating in Young Men and Boys

Link Between Prescription Weight-Loss Drugs and Disordered Eating in Young Men and Boys

Share this article

Recent research links prescription weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy to increased disordered eating behaviors among young men and boys, highlighting the need for awareness and clinical screening.

2 min read

As the popularity of weight-loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy continues to grow across North America, recent research highlights concerns about their impact on adolescent boys and young men. A study involving 1,543 males aged 15 to 35 in Canada and the United States revealed that individuals who had used prescription weight-loss medications within the past year showed a higher likelihood of engaging in disordered eating behaviors, including binge eating, purging, and feeling out of control while eating.

Although only 1.2% of participants reported recent use of these medications, those who did use them demonstrated significantly more symptoms associated with eating disorders compared to non-users. The research also found that users tended to be older and have higher body mass index (BMI), suggesting that they may face unique pressures relating to body image and weight management.

Lead researcher Kyle T. Ganson, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, emphasized the relevance of these findings amid increasing media attention and off-label utilization of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss.

While these medications are primarily prescribed for managing diabetes or obesity, their off-label use for weight control is becoming widespread. The study underscores potential psychological risks for young men, a group traditionally underrepresented in discussions about eating disorders and body image issues.

The intersection between prescription weight-loss drugs and disordered eating behaviors calls for increased attention from healthcare providers and policymakers. As public and commercial interests expand towards broader demographics, it is crucial to prioritize research, clinical screening, and education to prevent unintended harm.

Ganson notes, "Boys and men are often overlooked in conversations about eating disorders, but this study clearly shows they are also vulnerable to these risks."

In light of ongoing changes in body image standards and health behaviors driven by prescription weight-loss medications, the authors advocate for heightened awareness among healthcare professionals to ensure safe and informed use, especially among adolescents and young adults.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-prescription-weight-loss-medication-linked.html

Stay Updated with Mia's Feed

Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.

How often would you like updates?

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Related Articles

New Research Highlights Hope as a Key to a Meaningful Life

A groundbreaking study from the University of Missouri highlights hope as a crucial emotion that fosters a sense of purpose and meaning in life, surpassing other positive feelings in its impact on well-being.

Strategies to Overcome Anxiety When Flying

Learn practical strategies to overcome airplane anxiety and safely manage fear of flying through gradual exposure and cognitive-behavioral techniques.