Ozempic, originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, has recently attracted widespread attention for its weight loss benefits. However, with its growing use, many users have reported unexpected side effects, including noticeable shifts in mood and personality, often referred to as the emergence of an ‘Ozempic personality.’
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a medication classified as a GLP-1 agonist, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for managing blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which is naturally released in the gut when food is consumed. This hormone stimulates the body to produce more insulin, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. When GLP-1 is present in larger quantities, it also interacts with brain regions responsible for reducing appetite, promoting a sense of fullness. This dual action makes Ozempic effective for both blood sugar control and weight management.
What is Ozempic Personality?
Ozempic personality is not an official medical term, so it lacks a clear definition. However, some people who have taken Ozempic or similar weight loss medications have reported online that they believe their personalities have changed since starting the treatment. Some people even said that they felt more anxious or depressed, experiencing a calmer mood, or losing interest in activities they once enjoyed.
Personality Change? by inOzempic
What are the side effects of Ozempic?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the most common adverse reactions reported in 5% or more of patients treated with Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and constipation.
How does Ozempic affect the brain?
Ozempic impacts the brain in several ways, particularly within the amygdala, a region involved in processing emotions. According to a report on Prevention.com, Dina Peralta-Reich, M.D., director of New York Weight Wellness Medicine, explained that the medication helps control food cravings by acting on this area of the brain.
There is also evidence suggesting that Ozempic may affect other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, which plays a key role in pleasure, motivation, and learning. However, as Christoph Buettner, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the division of endocrinology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, points out, the exact impact of Ozempic on dopamine remains unclear. While eating and drinking typically stimulate dopamine release, semaglutide may reduce responsiveness to these signals.
Does Semaglutide affect mood?
Semaglutide medications like Ozempic can influence mood, but it’s not certain whether these changes are due to weight loss or the medication itself, as noted by Dr. Peralta-Reich. Many people use emotional eating as a coping mechanism, and GLP-1 medications can disrupt this pattern, forcing individuals to confront their emotions directly. Patient responses vary: some feel calmer as their food cravings diminish, while others struggle without their usual coping strategies. Dr. Peralta-Reich also emphasised that many patients benefit from working with therapists. If mood changes significantly affect daily life, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.
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