GLP-1 drugs were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but their use for weight loss has surged in recent years. Provided by Getty Images Bank
Weight-loss drugs in the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) class, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, are being analyzed for their impact not only on body weight but also on psychological changes that can influence human relationships
According to the British daily the Guardian on the 25th (local time), evidence is emerging that GLP-1 obesity drugs also affect social relationships.
GLP-1 drugs were initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but in recent years their use for weight loss has increased rapidly. Physical side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are widely known, but their impact on relationships with spouses and other people around users is still in the early stages of research
Scientists believe GLP-1 drugs may affect the brain’s dopamine reward circuitry, potentially reducing not only eating but also pleasure-seeking behaviors such as drinking alcohol, nicotine use and sexual desire
Evidence on changes in sexual function is still mixed. Some studies suggest they may improve testosterone levels, but an analysis of 2025 data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found 185 cases of sexual dysfunction reported among users of GLP-1 receptor agonists
In a 2025 survey by the Kinsey Institute in the United States, a sex research institution, 18% of GLP-1 users said their sex drive had increased, while 16% said it had decreased, showing no consistent direction of change
Some experts assess that it may be not the drug itself but factors such as rapid weight loss, increased self-confidence, changes in how others perceive the person, and shifts in long-standing eating habits and daily routines that destabilize relationships
A 2018 Swedish study analyzing 1,958 people who had undergone bariatric surgery found that among existing couples, divorce or separation increased, while single individuals were more likely to start a new relationship
Experts say weight loss does not directly create relationship problems but can expose underlying conflicts and issues related to weight stigma. They stress the need for long-term research into psychological changes and relationship shifts among GLP-1 users
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