A new study reveals that weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy may be less effective for people who overeat in response to emotions such as stress, depression, or boredom.
These medications, which are designed to suppress appetite, tend to work better for individuals who eat due to external triggers like the sight or smell of food—not for those whose eating habits are tied to emotional coping mechanisms.
Researchers emphasize that before prescribing GLP-1 medications or recommending bariatric surgery, healthcare providers should evaluate patients’ relationships with food and identify the reasons behind their eating behaviors.
Published on September 16 in Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare, the study found that GLP-1 receptor agonists were significantly more effective in patients whose overeating was driven by external cues, rather than emotional distress.
“GLP-1 drugs are effective for people whose weight gain or elevated blood sugar is linked to external food stimuli,” said Dr. Daisuke Yabe, a senior study author and professor of medicine at Kyoto University. “However, their impact is much lower in cases of emotional eating.”
Other experts not involved in the study support this approach, stressing the importance of addressing psychological issues before turning to medical or surgical weight loss options.
“It’s not just about eating too much,” said Dr. Mir Ali, bariatric surgeon and medical director at MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center in California. “You need to first understand the root cause.”
Dr. Zhaoping Li, professor of clinical medicine at UCLA, added, “Every patient has a different reason for overeating. To treat them effectively, we need to understand what’s really driving those habits.”
Registered dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick from the Cleveland Clinic said the study provides meaningful insights into how emotional eating can influence weight loss outcomes.
“Although the study size was small, the findings are important,” she said. “As someone who works with many patients on these medications, it shows the need for supportive tools that promote intuitive and mindful eating—especially once the medication is stopped.”
Study Overview: Eating Patterns and GLP-1 Medications
The research tracked 92 participants in Japan with type 2 diabetes, all beginning treatment with GLP-1 drugs. Their weight, body composition, diet, and blood markers like cholesterol and glucose were recorded at the start, then again at three and 12 months into treatment.
The researchers categorized participants by three eating styles:
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Emotional Eating – Eating triggered by emotions such as anxiety or sadness
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External Eating – Eating in response to visual or aromatic cues
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Restrained Eating – Dieting or food restriction to control weight
Across all participants, improvements were noted in body weight, cholesterol, and body fat percentages. However, those with external eating patterns experienced the most significant and lasting changes. In contrast, those who engaged in emotional or restrained eating were more likely to revert to their previous behaviors after a year.
Dr. Li noted that eating is complex and influenced by many factors.
“People don’t eat just because they’re hungry. Emotional factors like stress and anxiety can be just as powerful,” she said.
Dr. Ali pointed out that it can be difficult for physicians to detect emotional eating patterns without involving a mental health professional.
“If overeating stems from emotional distress, simply reducing hunger won’t solve the issue,” he said.
Managing Emotional Eating
Kirkpatrick shared that her approach to helping clients with emotional eating focuses on improving their overall relationship with food.
“Many people turn to food for comfort, but the types of food they choose are often highly processed and low in nutrients,” she said. “This creates a short-term calming effect, followed by a crash that leads to further cravings. It becomes a cycle.”
For those with external eating habits, the issue lies in their reactions to sensory cues.
“Some people will get in their car and drive to get fast food or sweets—even when those foods aren’t around,” she said. “Others may see or smell food and instantly want to eat it. Addressing the root cause of that behavior is key.”
When it comes to restrained eaters, she encourages a more flexible mindset.
“Mindful eating doesn’t mean cutting out certain foods forever. It means allowing yourself to enjoy things in moderation,” Kirkpatrick explained. “Labeling food as ‘bad’ often leads to guilt and bingeing later. Instead, I focus on choices that nourish both the body and mind.”
Obesity and Its Health Implications
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 40% of U.S. adults are living with obesity. The prevalence is similar between men and women, with the highest rates seen in those between ages 40 and 59.
Obesity is a chronic condition often identified by a BMI of 30 or higher or by excessive waist circumference—over 40 inches for men and over 35 inches for women. It’s linked to a range of serious health problems, including:
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Heart disease
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Type 2 diabetes
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High blood pressure
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Fatty liver disease
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Gallbladder problems
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Sleep apnea
Several medications, including semaglutide-based drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, and tirzepatide-based drugs like Mounjaro and Zepbound, are now used to manage both obesity and type 2 diabetes. These are often paired with lifestyle counseling on diet, physical activity, and sleep.
Kirkpatrick believes these medications can be powerful tools—but they’re not the full solution.
“My patients often say that being freed from constant food cravings is life-changing,” she said. “But they also fear what will happen if they stop the medication and return to the same struggles they had before.”
Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of treating the whole person—not just the symptoms of obesity. Addressing emotional eating, understanding food triggers, and building a healthy, sustainable relationship with food are all essential to long-term success.