Ozempic and Binge Eating Disorder: The Lowdown

Written by: Tiluka Bhanderi, RD
Reviewed by: Christine Phelan, RD

Ozempic and Binge Eating Disorder: The Lowdown


Ozempic and Binge Eating Disorder: The Lowdown. Recently, Ozempic has made headlines as a quick-fix medication for weight loss. It was originally developed to help manage Type 2 Diabetes but now is often prescribed off-label for people looking to lose weight especially since celebrities and influencers have promoted it. Lost in the noise of people’s miraculous transformations is Ozempic’s impact on mental health and eating disorders (EDs) including binge eating disorder (BED).

Ozempic: What is it?

Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by mimicking a hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar levels, slows down digestion and increases feelings of fullness which can result in a reduced appetite and weight loss1. While that might sound ideal for someone struggling with binge eating episodes, it’s not quite so straightforward!

What Is Binge Eating Disorder?

BED is an often misunderstood mental health condition. It’s characterised by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often very quickly and to the point of discomfort. These episodes are typically followed by feelings of shame, guilt and distress2. Unlike BulimiaNervosa, people with BED do not regularly use compensatory behaviours like vomiting or excessive exercise. BED is not about a lack of willpower, it’s often linked to deeper psychological issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression or low self-esteem. People with BED often struggle with cycles of restriction and bingeing especially when they are focused on weight loss.

Could Ozempic help to stop my Binge Eating Disorder?

There is some research suggesting that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic may reduce foodcravings and binge episodes in some individuals3. Some studies have also found that semaglutide can help curb appetite in people with obesity as it mimics a protein naturally found in the body that signals when we’re full4. However, it’s important to note that thesefindings are still early, theres no long term data on how effective it is for EDs and Ozempic isnot licensed for the treatment of BED. BED involves many complex factors and it is stillpossible to binge on Ozempic.In addition, using a weight-loss drug to “treat” an eating disorder can reinforce the idea thatweight is the problem rather than addressing the underlying emotional and psychologicalchallenges that drive BED.

A Holistic Approach to Recovering from BED

While Ozempic might seem like a quick fix, BED requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach. Working with a multidisciplinary team including a dietitian and therapist trained in EDs can help address both the emotional and psychological patterns of BED. Recovery involves developing a healthier relationship with food, learning to regulate emotions without turning to eating and challenging the cultural pressures that equate thinness with worth. This kind of support targets long-term recovery rather than quick fixes that only target weight.

At Fresh Approach Nutrition, our Specialist Eating Disorder Dietitians can support you on amore holistic and sustainable BED recovery journey so book your free discovery call today!

References

  1. GLP-1 RA mechanism of action [Internet]. novoMEDLINK. Available from: https://www.novomedlink.com/diabetes/products/treatments/ozempic/about/mechanism-of-action.html (Accessed 9th June 2025)
  2. NICE. What is an eating disorder? | Information for the public | Eating disorders:recognition and treatment | Guidance | NICE [Online]. www.nice.org.uk. 2017.Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng69/ifp/chapter/What-is-an-eating-disorder (Accessed 9th June 2025)
  3. Richards J, Bang N, Ratliff EL, Paszkowiak MA, Khorgami Z, Khalsa SS, et al.Successful treatment of binge eating disorder with the GLP-1 agonist semaglutide: Aretrospective cohort study. Obes Pillars [Online]. 2023;7:100080. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.obpill.2023.100080 (Accessed 9th June 2025)
  4. Nicolau J, Pujol A, Tofé S, Bonet A, Gil A. Short term effects of semaglutide onemotional eating and other abnormal eating patterns among subjects living withobesity. Physiol Behav [Online]. 2022;257(113967):113967. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113967 (Accessed 9th June 2025)

Find out about our online eating disorder support

Eating disorder appointments

Take a look at some related articles

No results found.

Fresh Approach Nutrition

Our team of registered dietitians help people in Bristol and across the UK to overcome their struggles with food and to achieve their dietary goals.

We aim to cut through the confusion of dietary advice on the internet and in the media, and to give our clients the fresh approach they need to see real results.

Meet the team