Weight loss medication like Ozempic might offer less advantage to those struggling with emotional eating, according to a recent study.
In a significant development, a study published in Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare has shed light on the relationship between emotional eating behaviour and the effectiveness of GLP-1 weight loss medications in diabetic patients. The research, conducted over a year, monitored 92 diabetes patients to understand the impact of these drugs.
The study collected comprehensive data on participants' diets, blood markers, and body weight and composition, and also delved into their relationship with food to decipher between different eating patterns. The researchers, however, remained unidentified in the provided search results.
GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are a class of weight loss drugs that mimic a hormone to reduce appetite. The study found that those who overeat due to the sight or smell of food responded well to GLP-1 drugs, resulting in sustained weight loss and improved blood sugar levels by the end of the year.
On the other hand, participants who overeat for emotional reasons were less likely to see benefits from these weight loss medications. The study also suggested that individuals with prominent emotional eating tendencies may require additional behavioural or psychological support.
Dr. Daisuke Yabe, one of the study's authors and a professor at Kyoto University, stated that the findings remain preliminary and further evidence is necessary before they can be implemented in clinical practice. He also emphasised the importance of doctors understanding their patients' eating behaviours before prescribing weight loss drugs.
Interestingly, the study did not address the use of weight loss drugs in children and teens. By the 12-month mark, emotional and restrictive eating habits had rebounded for most participants. The researchers concluded that studies with more participants are needed to confirm the link between eating habits and the success of weight loss drugs.
This groundbreaking research offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between emotional eating and weight loss medications, paving the way for more targeted approaches in diabetes management.
