James Corden says food addiction made Ozempic ineffective: Why do eating disorders hinder weight loss drugs?

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Why do weight loss medications fall ineffective in the face of eating disorders such as food addictions? Curious, indianexpress.com reached out to health experts to find out.

A new class of weight loss drugs called GLP-1 analogues reduces appetite and cravings for food, slows down food movement through the gut, and makes one feel full when consuming smaller quantities of food. For individuals with eating disorders like binge eating, these drugs may seem attractive; however, limited research has shown that they may worsen many of these disorders, said Dr Akhil Krishna, Associate Consultant at the Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, KIMSHEALTH Trivandrum.

He emphasised the need for further research to fully understand this phenomenon. “Currently, extreme caution has to be exercised while prescribing this group of medications to those with eating disorders or at risk of them. They require comprehensive evaluation and treatment by a multidisciplinary team comprising endocrinologists, dieticians, and psychiatrists or psychologists,” shared Dr Krishna.

“Weight loss medications often focus on short-term weight reduction, but for those with eating disorders, long-term success requires a more holistic approach including behavioral therapy, counseling, and lifestyle changes. Without these, the risk of weight regain is high after stopping medication,” shared Dr Nirmal Mathew Alex, Consultant at the Department of Internal Medicine, Apollo Adlux Hospital, Ernakulam.

He explained that there are different classes of medicines:

1. Appetite Suppressants: These medications target brain chemicals to reduce hunger and make a person feel fuller faster, thus eating less.
2. Fat Absorption Inhibitors: These drugs prevent the absorption of fat from consumed food, leading to fewer calories being absorbed and stored as fat.
3. Blood Sugar Control: These drugs regulate blood sugar levels, thereby reducing cravings and overeating triggered by fluctuating sugar levels.

According to Dr Mathew, weight loss drugs can be less effective for individuals with eating disorders or food addiction for two primary reasons. “Eating disorders like binge eating or food addiction often have emotional and psychological triggers. Weight loss medications that target physiological hunger don’t address these emotional triggers, leaving the underlying issue unaddressed,” he said. Some people with food addiction may engage in compulsive eating, where the drive to eat is based on the brain’s reward system rather than physical hunger. These compulsions are often resistant to appetite suppressant drugs, he added.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.