Patients are reporting a spectrum of emotional challenges, from anxiety to depression and even contemplation of suicide, despite experiencing significant weight reduction.
Delving into the intricate workings of these transformative medications, experts are uncovering the profound impact they have on dopamine levels, the neurotransmitter responsible for a myriad of functions.
Dr. Kent Berridge, a distinguished professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of Michigan, articulates the intricate connection between GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy and their influence on our neurological landscape.
“Both addictive substances and food activate the same dopamine signals and reward-learning regions in the brain,” he elucidates, highlighting the common neurological pathways these medications traverse.
Furthermore, Dr. Berridge underscores the profound link between hunger and cravings: “Cravings for addictive drugs are also amplified by hunger.” This observation sheds light on the intricate interplay between physiological and psychological factors in shaping addictive behaviors.
“If you’re hungry, the motivational value of things, even that are not food, seems to increase,” he adds, underscoring the pervasive influence of hunger on our cognitive and emotional responses.
Moreover, these medications, by prolonging feelings of satiety, appear to extend their influence beyond food cravings, potentially mitigating desires for other substances as well.
“Satiety may be not only reducing the craving for food, but potentially for other things,” notes Dr. Berridge, unveiling the broader implications of these medications on addictive behaviors.
However, amidst these revelations, a crucial disparity emerges: while Ozempic is FDA-approved solely for diabetes treatment, its potential impact on mental health and addictive tendencies remains largely unacknowledged.
