Study Finds 32% of Eating Disorder Patients Used GLP-1s, 10% Misused Them
Updated
Updated · Gizmodo · Jun 24
Study Finds 32% of Eating Disorder Patients Used GLP-1s, 10% Misused Them
3 articles · Updated · Gizmodo · Jun 24
Summary
A JAMA Psychiatry study of 436 people with eating disorders found 32% had used a GLP-1 drug and 22% were currently taking one, far above U.S. lifetime-use estimates of 15% to 18%.
About 10% reported lifetime misuse—such as starting at higher doses, escalating early or sharing prescriptions—while another 10% said they had taken compounded GLP-1s.
Researchers said the drugs are not indicated for eating disorders and may be used by some patients to sustain rapid restriction and weight loss, though some evidence suggests potential benefit in binge eating disorder.
The findings rely on self-reports and could understate use, the authors said, urging stronger pharmacovigilance as gray-market access persists and GLP-1 products expand beyond injectables.
With GLP-1 misuse soaring, why is a critical mental health check still missing before prescription?
As miracle weight-loss drugs surge, are they secretly fueling America's deadliest mental illness?
GLP-1 Drugs and Eating Disorders: Rising Use, Clinical Dangers, and Regulatory Gaps
Overview
GLP-1 receptor agonists, though not approved for eating disorders, are seeing a sharp rise in use among people with conditions like binge eating disorder and atypical anorexia nervosa, largely due to their perceived metabolic benefits. This trend is driven by the elevated risk of cardiovascular and metabolic problems in these populations, leading both individuals and practitioners to consider GLP-1s as a potential treatment. While some early research suggests possible benefits for binge eating disorder, concerns remain about misuse, access barriers, and the lack of long-term safety data, highlighting the need for careful oversight and further study.