Ozempic (semaglutide) is a brand-name prescription medication for managing type 2 diabetes. As well as aiding weight loss in some adults, Ozempic may be a possible treatment option for people experiencing binge eating disorder (BED).
Ozempic is an injectable medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage symptoms of type 2 diabetes. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA).
Recent research shows the potential for Ozempic to help treat eating disorders, including BED. This condition involves short periods of excessive overeating, typically alongside feelings of anxiety, guilt, or shame.
In this article, we explain how Ozempic may help treat BED and what to know before using the medication.
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and other brand-name drugs such as Wegovy. Following clinical trials showing how weekly doses of semaglutide can help people lose weight, some doctors prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss in certain adults. (Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.) Note that Wegovy is already FDA approved for long-term weight management.
Researchers are now publishing findings showing the potential for Ozempic and similar medications as treatments for binge eating, including BED.
The current first-line medications for BED are topiramate (Topamax) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). However, these drugs may carry a potential for dependency and addiction. Due to this risk, researchers continue to search for alternative treatment options for the condition.
Study results of semaglutide for BED
An open-label, retrospective study from 2023 looked at the effect of semaglutide in people who had attended an obesity clinic and were identified as likely to have BED. The study found that semaglutide was more effective at reducing BED symptoms, such as frequency of binging periods, than either topiramate or lisdexamfetamine.
However, researchers still don’t understand the long-term results and risks of semaglutide in people with an eating disorder. So far, studies have used small sample groups and have not assessed the effects of treating BED with semaglutide for longer than 6 months. Further research is necessary to find out if these medications are safe for people with BED.
According to a New York Times opinion piece, experts voice their concerns about the treatment of BED with Ozempic and other semaglutide medications. For example, semaglutide’s effect on weight loss and appetite suppression might worsen symptoms BED or create further disordered eating habits. (See “How semaglutide and related drugs curb appetite” to learn more.)
Binge eating disorder is a mental health condition that involves periods of excessive overeating. It’s marked by at least one binge eating episode per week, for 3 months or more. The Office on Women’s Health reports that BED is the most common diagnosis of an eating disorder in the United States.
Individuals with BED may be up to 6 times more likely to be overweight than people without an eating disorder. However, anyone can experience BED regardless of their weight. If you have BED but you’re not overweight, medications such as Ozempic that encourage weight loss may not be a suitable treatment.
Typical treatment for BED focuses on modifying the mental processes that lead to binge eating behavioral patterns. Therapy techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can teach you how to manage emotional causes of binge eating behavior. However, in people with BED who are overweight, CBT may not be enough to help manage weight.
Semaglutide and other GLP-1 RAs, such as liraglutide (Saxenda), are FDA approved for managing blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
GLP-1 RAs work by reducing the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. They do this by increasing the amount of insulin your body produces. Insulin reduces your blood sugar levels as your cells turn it into energy.
GLP-1 RAs also slow your digestion. This keeps you feeling fuller longer and reduces your appetite. These are the effects that cause weight loss.
What happens if you take Ozempic without diabetes?
The use of Ozempic and other GLP-1 RAs for weight loss is increasingly common among people without type 2 diabetes. In clinical trials, semaglutide was safe and effective in people who were overweight but didn’t have type 2 diabetes. However, only Wegovy is currently FDA approved for weight loss. Ozempic is not approved for weight loss but may be prescribed off-label for this use.
If you don’t have type 2 diabetes but you’re interested in using Ozempic (or another version of semaglutide), talk with your doctor. They will help determine whether semaglutide is right for you.
If you’d like to know more about Ozempic for BED, talk with healthcare professionals such as an eating disorder specialist and a primary care doctor.
They will likely ask about your reasons for wanting to try treatment with Ozempic and your medical history. They can also explain the most recent studies of semaglutide for BED. Then they can assess the possible benefits and risks of the drug for your specific situation.
If a doctor recommends Ozempic for BED, some questions you may want to consider asking include:
Is Ozempic a long-term treatment?Can I stop taking Ozempic at any time?When do I need to take Ozempic and what dosage do you recommend for me?What are the potential side effects of Ozempic?
Ozempic is an injectable medication prescribed to help manage blood sugar and certain health risks in people with type 2 diabetes. It may be prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Recent research shows the potential of Ozempic to reduce symptoms of BED. However, more research is needed to establish the long-term safety and effectiveness of Ozempic for binge eating.
Experts have concerns about the safety of Ozempic for treating eating disorders, such as the potential to worsen symptoms.
If you’re considering using Ozempic for BED, it’s important to speak with an eating disorder specialist. They’ll help determine whether it’s safe for you.
