01/07/2026 07:20 - Salud
A study published on June 24, 2026 in the prestigious JAMA Psychiatry journal revealed that 32% of patients with eating disorders have used GLP-1 receptor agonists—medications originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes and recently approved for weight loss.
The research was conducted by investigators from the University of Louisville and warns about the lack of evaluation protocols in prescribing these medications, as well as the growing risk of misuse and self-medication.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are medications that mimic a natural hormone regulating appetite and blood glucose levels.
Medications included in the study:
The study broke down medication use by eating disorder type, finding significantly high percentages across all categories:
| Disorder | Usage Percentage |
|---|---|
| Binge eating disorder | Over 50% |
| Atypical anorexia | 42% |
| Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder | 30% |
| Bulimia nervosa | 25% |
| Anorexia nervosa | 11% |
Researchers from the University of Louisville expressed concern about the lack of evaluation protocols before prescribing these medications to patients with a history of eating disorders.
The study also alerted about uncontrolled access to these medications through online providers, which often fail to conduct complete psychiatric evaluations before dispensing them.
Food can become an obsession when combined with appetite-suppressing medications without proper supervision.
GLP-1 agonists have become one of the most popular weight loss treatments worldwide. However, their use without adequate medical supervision can have serious consequences, especially in people with psychological vulnerabilities related to food.
Specialists recommend that anyone considering using these medications consult with a healthcare professional beforehand and be evaluated to detect potential eating disorders.
Source: Study published in JAMA Psychiatry, June 24, 2026. University of Louisville.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
