Descriptions of the so-called “Ozempic” personality have appeared on social networks and some media: changes in behavior characteristic of some people taking the popular GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and obesity. These changes include worsening mood, increased anxiety and feelings of depression, “anhedonia” – a lack of interest in activities that previously brought pleasure, as well as decreased libido and decreased interest in sex.
As HealthLine notes, a possible explanation for this phenomenon may be a change in the production of dopamine, the so-called “pleasure hormone” that our brain produces when we anticipate reward or pleasure from something.
Professor Derek Daniels, who studies the effects of GLP-1 drugs on animals and their drinking and thirst behavior, noted that because we receive these signals when we eat or drink, drugs like Ozempica make us feel full more quickly by making the dopamine system less active. sensitive. But he cannot explain exactly whether GLP-1 drugs make you feel full, after which dopamine levels decrease, or whether GLP-1 drugs act directly on dopamine receptors and make them less sensitive.
However, the answer to the reasons for mood changes may be simpler: eating less, losing weight and giving up your favorite foods is not easy. People tend to soothe and reward themselves with sweets, which results in obesity. And the process of monitoring weight and giving up sweets does not allow you to reward yourself with sweets, so the person is in a bad mood. The only reason for this is not the direct effect of Ozempic and similar drugs, but a cure for addiction, for painful cravings for sweet and unhealthy foods.
At the same time, the publication emphasizes that those surveyed by HealthLine do not agree with the term “Ozempic “personality”: they emphasize that GLP-1 drugs have proven their effectiveness and safety. Experts also point out that in case of mental health problems, it is necessary to promptly seek professional medical attention help.