GLP-1 Medications and Eating Disorders: What to Know from a Mental Health Perspective

GLP-1 medications (such as semaglutide and others) have become increasingly visible in coversations about weight loss, diabetes care, and health. For many people, these medications are life-changing and medically appropriate. At the same time, their grwoing popularity raises important questions - especially for individuals with a history of eating disorders or disordered eating.

As therapists, we believe it's essential to talk about GLP-1s not only from a medical standpoint, but also from a pyschological and relational one.

What are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 medications work by influencing appetite regulation, digestion, and blood sugar control. Many people report reduced hunger, feeling full more quickly, and less interest in food overall. These effects can be helpful and protective for some individuals, particularly when prescribed and monitored by a medical professional.

However, changes in appetite and eating patterns can also have emotional and psychological impacts - especially for those who have struggled with food, body image, or control around eating in the past.

Why Eating Disorder History Matters

Eating disorders are not just about food; they are deeply connected to emotions, coping strategies, identity, and a person's relationship with their body. For someone with a current or past eating disorder or disordered eating, appetite suppression or rapid changes in eating patterns can sometimes:

• Reinforce restrictive techniques

• Reignite "rules" around food or eating less

• Increase anxiety around hunger cues

• Create a sense of control that feels familiar - but may not be healthy

• Make it harder to practice intuitive or mindful eating

Importantly, these risks can exist even if the eating disorder is considered "in recovery"

This is Not a One-Size-Fits-All

It's important to say clearly: GLP-1 medications are not inherently good or bad. What matters most is context:

• Your personal history with food and body image

• Your current mental health supports

• How closely your care is being monitored

• Whether emotional and psychological effects are being addressed alongside physical ones

Questions Worth Exploring in Therapy

If you are considering or already using a GLP-1 medication, therapy can be a helpful space to explore questions such as:

• How do changes in appetite affect my thoughts about food and my body?

• Do I feel more peaceful around eating - or more rigid? If you do feel more at peace, it a false sense of peace due to the safety blanket?

• Am I listening to my body, or overriding it?

• How does this medication intersect my values, identity, and recovery goals?

• What emotions come up as my body changes?

These conversations are not about judgement or discouragement - they're about awareness and support.

A Collaborative Approach to Care

For individuals with eating disorder histories, the safest and most supportive approach is often collaborative care. This may include:

• A prescribing medical provider

• A therapist knowledgable about eating diosrders

• A dietitian when appropriate

When mental and physical providers communicate, the focus can remain on overall well-being - not just weight, numbers, or appearance.

Our Perspective

At Restoring Waves, we approach GLP-1 medications with curosity, nuance, and respect for each person's lived experience. We support clients in making informed choices, noticing emotional responses, and protecting recovery and mental health - whatever path they choose.

If you're navigating questions eating disorders or your relationship with food and your body, you don't have to do it alone. Therapy can be a space to slow down, reflect, and make choices that align with your long-term well being.