Ozempic And Other GLP-1 Drugs May Be Altering The Brain, researchers say

Scientists say the findings add to growing evidence that GLP-1 drugs may influence biological systems extending far beyond appetite and blood sugar regulation. (Credit: AFP)

GLP-1 medications including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound were initially developed to treat diabetes and obesity. But researchers are now increasingly examining how the drugs may affect the brain, including areas tied to reward, motivation, addiction and emotional processing.

Scientists studying patients taking the medications have reported changes linked to food cravings, alcohol use, compulsive behavior and attention. Some users have also described emotional flattening, reduced motivation and lower sexual desire while using the drugs.