Emotional eaters may find Ozempic less effective in weight loss, a study indicates.
A new study, led by researcher Yabe, has shed light on the potential influence of eating behaviors on the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs commonly used to lower blood sugar levels and aid in weight loss. The study, which focused on three types of eating behaviors - emotional eating, external eating, and restrained eating - involved 92 participants with type 2 diabetes in Japan over the course of their first year on these medications.
The findings of the study suggest a potential association between external eating behavior and treatment response to GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic or Wegovy. However, the researchers emphasize that these findings remain preliminary, and further evidence is necessary before they can be implemented in clinical practice.
Participants reported decreased external eating throughout the entire year, and those with high levels of external eating at the beginning saw the greatest benefits in terms of blood glucose levels and weight loss. Contrarily, the study did not identify any association between emotional or restrained eating scores at the beginning and drug benefits by the 12-month mark.
The researchers collected data on the participants' body weight, diet, and various health indicators at the beginning, three months, and one year into the treatment. Over the year, participants experienced a significant loss of body weight, lowered cholesterol levels, and body fat percentage without losing skeletal muscle mass.
While the study suggests a potential association, it does not prove causation. Yabe, the study's lead author, emphasized this point, stating that more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Takehiro Kato, the study's second author, suggested that individuals with prominent emotional eating tendencies may require additional behavioral or psychological support to achieve the full benefits of GLP-1 drugs. On the other hand, patients with a high level of external essential behaviors, such as good adherence to lifestyle changes and medical regimens, could gain the greatest benefits from these treatments, particularly those with type 2 diabetes mellitus who require improved glycemic control and weight management.
If future large-scale or randomized controlled trials validate this relationship, incorporating simple behavioral assessments could become a valuable component in optimizing treatment strategies. This could potentially lead to improved outcomes for patients undergoing GLP-1 drug treatment. However, it is crucial to remember that these are preliminary findings, and more research is needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn.
