Eating Disorders and GLP-1 RAs

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Year

2025


Glucagon-like peptide-1receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), such as semaglutide (Ozempic), are medications
originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 RAs are now being used as an approved or off-label treatment for weight loss and have been trialled as a treatment for some eating disorders such as binge eating disorder (BED).

There is limited research available to help researchers, clinicians and patients/consumers to understand 
the relationships between GLP-1 RAs and eating disorders. However, it is thought that GLP-1 RAs may 
negatively impact eating disorder symptomology and treatment in a number of ways.

This factsheet provides information about GLP-1 RAs as well as their possible interaction with eating disorders including physical and psychological impacts. Practice points are provided for clinicians.



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See also

RCPSYCH Medical Emergencies in Eating Disorders: Guidance on Recognition and Management

The aim of this guidance is to make preventable deaths due to eating disorders a thing of the past.

Read more

RANZCP clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of eating disorders (2014)

Objectives: This clinical practice guidelines for treatment of DSM-5 feeding and eating disorders was conducted as part of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) Project 2013-2014.

Read more

Eating Disorders & GLP-1 RAs

Glucagon-like peptide-1receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), such as semaglutide (Ozempic), are medications originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes.

Read more

NEDC Eating Disorder Stepped System of Care

The stepped system of care for eating disorders delivers coordinated, evidence-based services that increase or decrease in intensity according to a person's changing psychological, physical, nutritional, and functional needs.

Read more