GLP-1 Agonists and Eating Disorders: Is There a Link?

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.51572122610066

• Palavras-chave: GLP-1; eating disorders; obesity; binge eating; semaglutide; mental health.

• Keywords: GLP-1; eating disorders; obesity; binge eating; semaglutide; mental health.

• Abstract:

  Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists represent an important therapeutic innovation in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Drugs such as semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide have been widely used due to their efficacy in weight loss and glycemic control. However, the exponential growth in the use of these medications has raised questions about potential psychological and behavioral impacts related to eating, particularly regarding the development or worsening of eating disorders. The present study aims to analyze the relationship between GLP-1 agonists and eating disorders, addressing their physiological mechanisms, effects on eating behavior, and psychiatric repercussions. This is a narrative literature review based on scientific articles indexed in the PubMed, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases, published between 2015 and 2026. The findings demonstrate that GLP-1 agonists have significant effects on satiety, binge eating, and appetite control, and may benefit patients with binge eating disorder. However, there are also concerns regarding the indiscriminate use of these medications, particularly in individuals vulnerable to anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and body image distortions. It is concluded that GLP-1 agonists have significant therapeutic potential but require multidisciplinary monitoring and careful psychiatric evaluation, especially in patients with a history of eating disorders.