GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Medications for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Treatment: A Rapid Review of Changes in Eating Behaviors and Eating Disorder Risk.
Jebeile. Hiba H; Danielsen. Yngvild Sørebø YS; Sumithran. Priya P; Lorien. Sasha S; Jardine. Isabelle R IR; Baur. Louise A LA; Lister. Natalie B NB
Key Findings
- Semaglutide reduced binge‑eating episodes and prevalence in the studies reviewed
- Food cravings often improved with semaglutide (or stayed unchanged)
- Overall eating‑behavior scores were generally stable or improved, with few reports of new eating‑disorder adverse events
Practical Outcomes
- If you’re using semaglutide for weight or metabolic health, you may also notice fewer binge‑eating urges and less intense cravings, which can aid adherence to diet plans. Keep an eye on any signs of disordered eating, but current evidence suggests the risk is low. More detailed studies are needed to fine‑tune dosing for these specific effects.
Summary
A quick look at studies shows that GLP‑1 drugs like semaglutide can help lower binge‑eating episodes and may ease food cravings, while overall eating habits usually stay the same or get a bit better. There aren’t many reports of new eating‑disorder problems, but the data are still limited.
Abstract
This rapid review aimed to evaluate the effects of GLP-1 RAs on eating behaviors and eating disorder risk. Databases were searched to January 2025 to identify studies evaluating GLP-1 RA treatment for adolescents or adults with obesity or Type 2 diabetes. Eligible studies reported adverse events, changes in eating disorder risk, or eating behaviors post-intervention or follow-up. Data were synthesized narratively. Of 1597 records screened, 25 studies (k) were included (two adolescent, n = 275; 23 adult, n = 8722). Two studies reported eating disorder adverse events, and two reported no binge eating adverse events. Liraglutide reduced global eating disorder risk scores, with no differences between groups (k = 1). Binge eating episodes and prevalence reduced following liraglutide and semaglutide, respectively. Binge eating scores improved with liraglutide compared to placebo (k = 2). Food cravings following liraglutide (k = 1) or semaglutide (k = 6) were improved (k = 6) or unchanged (k = 1). There was no difference in disinhibition between liraglutide and comparator (k = 2) with one study reporting a reduction in both groups. Three non-RCTs reported reduced disinhibition with liraglutide. Limited data are available on GLP-1 RAs, eating behaviors and eating disorders. For most, eating behaviors may improve or remain unchanged. Comprehensive assessment of eating behaviors is needed to understand the benefits and risks of treatment.
Study Information
pubmed
2025
2025-12-03T00:00:00.000Z
10.1111/obr.70049
73