GLP-1 Medications To Treat Eating Disorders, Emotional Eating, and Food Addiction? Yes. It’s Coming.
If you haven't heard yet, Weight Watchers recently acquired a "doc-in-the-box" company that will allow them to prescribe GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, to their members for weight loss purposes.
In addition to its weight loss benefits, GLP-1 medications have been shown to increase feelings of fullness and "quiet the food voice," which can be particularly helpful for those with eating disorders.
This news is significant, and many in the anti-diet movement may be upset about it.
While GLP-1 medications offer a way to lose weight on demand, they also provide an opportunity for those struggling with food addiction and binge-eating disorders to reduce their desire to eat and stop their constant thoughts about food.
The potential benefits for those with eating disorders are particularly important, as GLP-1 medications can help them make strides in their healing. This is especially true if they take advantage of building their interoceptive awareness during moments of "mind calm," even if that calm is temporary.
I believe it’s important adults have the option to try GLP-1 medications if they think it could work for them, even if I don't agree with the drug being used.
I see a coming need to have more helpers available to assist individuals in thoughtfully addressing their trauma, belief systems, and interoceptive tendencies while on the medication. This can help them build confidence in themselves for when they eventually go off the medication. Additionally, doctors and psychologists should educate patients on the fact that they are experiencing a false interoceptive awareness and should not assume the brain's calm around food is permanent.
I'm sharing this information because I believe a significant change is coming, whether people like it or not. Those who have felt out of control or helpless in regards to their body and brain's reactions to food may finally feel like a solution has been found. Some may experience a window of healing, while others may feel a false sense of calm. For many, it could be both.
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