NEW YORK — Health experts and researchers are raising new questions about how the rapid expansion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications is affecting body image, mental health and broader health behaviors, as the drugs become increasingly common for obesity treatment and weight management. The concerns have emerged alongside continued evidence that the medications can provide substantial health benefits for many patients when prescribed appropriately, according to researchers and medical organizations.
A review published this month in the journal Body Image said the psychological and social implications of GLP-1 medicines remain understudied, despite their growing use. The authors said the medications could influence cultural attitudes toward weight while affecting individuals differently depending on their medical history, experiences with weight stigma and other personal factors. They called for additional research and greater attention to body image during treatment.
The American Psychological Association also said clinicians should be aware that some patients using GLP-1 medications may require additional psychological support, particularly those with current or previous eating disorders. The organization said rapid weight changes and public discussion surrounding the drugs may create challenges for some individuals, even as the medicines offer important health benefits for others. "The medications themselves aren't a problem, but the discourse about them at a societal level is," clinical psychologist Sara Bartel told the APA, adding that public narratives can reinforce beliefs that body size is solely a matter of personal choice.
Researchers are also examining whether the medicines are influencing other health behaviors. Findings presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in June suggested that adults taking GLP-1 medications became less physically active after starting treatment, prompting investigators to emphasize that exercise should remain part of obesity care. The study's authors said additional research is needed to better understand the relationship between medication use and long-term physical activity.
Separate research reported this week found that long-term GLP-1 use among people with type 2 diabetes was associated with a higher likelihood of smell and taste disturbances, although researchers said the overall incidence remained low and called for further investigation.
Medical specialists continue to stress that GLP-1 medicines, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, have transformed obesity treatment for many eligible patients. Experts from the American Gastroenterological Association said recently that the drugs represent one component of comprehensive obesity care, alongside lifestyle interventions, medical supervision and, when appropriate, other treatments.
Researchers said studies into the psychological, behavioral and long-term health effects of GLP-1 medications are continuing, while professional organizations are encouraging healthcare providers to monitor both physical and mental health outcomes as use of the drugs expands.
