Over the past year, GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro® have become increasingly visible in conversations about weight, health, and appetite regulation. For many individuals, these medications are prescribed for diabetes management or other medical conditions. Yet for others, they are positioned as tools for weight loss.
For individuals with a history of eating disorders or actively in recovery, GLP-1 medications raise important and complex questions. At Evolve Wellness Group, we believe it is essential to approach these conversations with nuance, curiosity, and a recovery-centered lens.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking a hormone involved in blood sugar regulation and appetite signaling. They can reduce hunger cues, slow gastric emptying, and increase feelings of fullness. While these effects may be medically indicated for some individuals, they can intersect in challenging ways with eating disorder symptoms and recovery work.
Potential Impacts on Eating Disorder Recovery
For individuals recovering from an eating disorder, especially those with a history of restriction, binge eating, purging, or rigid food rules, GLP-1 medications may unintentionally reinforce patterns that recovery aims to heal.
Some potential concerns include:
- Blunted hunger and fullness cues, making it harder to reconnect with the body’s natural signals
- Increased food avoidance or restriction, particularly when appetite is suppressed
- Reinforcement of weight-centric thinking, which can undermine body trust and self-worth
- Triggering of binge restrict cycles, especially if intake becomes inconsistent or inadequate
For individuals recovering from binge eating disorder, GLP-1s can sometimes appear appealing due to their appetite-reducing effects. However, without addressing the underlying emotional, behavioral, and physiological drivers of binge eating, symptom relief may be temporary and recovery may remain incomplete.
When GLP-1s Are Medically Indicated
It is also important to acknowledge that some individuals in eating disorder recovery may be prescribed GLP-1 medications for legitimate medical reasons, such as diabetes management. In these cases, the goal is not blanket avoidance, but intentional, collaborative care.
Recovery-aligned treatment often includes:
- Close coordination between medical providers, therapists, and dietitians
- Ongoing assessment of eating disorder symptoms and relapse risk
- Clear attention to nutritional adequacy and meal consistency
- Space to process thoughts, fears, or pressure related to weight and appetite changes
Recovery Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
There is no single “right” decision that applies to everyone. What matters most is that treatment decisions support long-term physical and psychological well-being, not just short-term symptom changes.
If you are considering, currently taking, or feeling conflicted about GLP-1 medications while navigating eating disorder recovery, these questions may be helpful to explore with your care team:
- How does this medication affect my relationship with food and my body?
- Does it support or interfere with consistent, adequate nourishment?
- Are eating disorder thoughts or behaviors becoming louder or quieter?
- Do I feel more disconnected or more trusting of my body?
Our Approach
At Evolve, we prioritize recovery that is sustainable, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based care. We support clients in exploring these decisions without shame, pressure, or assumptions. We understand that eating disorder recovery exists within a broader medical and cultural context.
If you have questions about GLP-1 medications and eating disorder recovery, or if you’re noticing changes in your thoughts or behaviors related to food, support is available. You do not have to navigate these decisions alone.
Reach out today for a complimentary phone call with an Evolve intake coordinator.
