Poster Presentation ESA-SRB-ANZOS 2025 in conjunction with ENSA

Change in eating behaviours and eating disorder risk with GLP-1 receptor agonist medications for treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes: A rapid review  (128122)

Hiba Jebeile 1 , Yngvild S Danielsen 2 , Priya Priya Sumithran 3 , Sasha Lorien 4 , Isabelle Jardine 4 , Louise A Baur 4 , Natalie B Lister 4
  1. Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
  2. Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Vestland, Norway
  3. School of Translational Medicine, Department of Surgery, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  4. Children’s Hospital Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Systematic reviews of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) demonstrate improvements in weight, and cardiometabolic health, while the effects on psychological outcomes are mixed (1,2). This review aimed to evaluate the effect of GLP-1RAs on eating behaviours and eating disorder risk. MEDLINE and Embase were searched to January 2025. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and longitudinal studies evaluating obesity or type 2 diabetes treatment with a GLP-1RA for adolescents or adults were included. Eligible studies reported on adverse events, changes in eating disorder risk scores, or eating behaviours post-intervention or follow-up. Summary data were extracted and synthesised according to Synthesis Without Meta-analysis guidelines. A total of 1597 records were screened and 25 trials (k) were included. Of two adolescent trials, one RCT (n=251) reported development of eating disorders following liraglutide (n=2/125). One retrospective cohort study (n=24 adolescents) reported reduced uncontrolled eating with no change in other eating behaviours following liraglutide. Twenty-three trials were in adults (n=8,722). One study reported an eating disorder adverse event, and two studies reported no binge eating adverse events. Liraglutide reduced global eating disorder risk scores, with no differences between groups (k=1). Binge eating episodes and prevalence reduced following liraglutide and semaglutide, respectively. Binge eating scores improved with liraglutide compared to placebo (k=2).  Food cravings following liraglutide (k=1) or semaglutide (k=6) were improved (k=6) or unchanged (k=1). There was no difference in disinhibition between liraglutide and comparator (k=2) with one study reporting a reduction in both groups. Two non-RCTs reported reduced disinhibition with liraglutide. Overall, limited data are available for the effect of GLP-1RAs on eating behaviours and eating disorders. For most, eating behaviours may improve or remain unchanged. Two trials reported development of eating disorders following GLP-1RAs. Comprehensive assessment of eating behaviours and eating disorder risk are needed to understand potential benefits and risks of treatment.

  1. Tsompanaki E, Koutoukidis DA, Wren G, et al. The impact of weight loss interventions on disordered eating symptoms in people with overweight and obesity: a systematic review & meta-analysis. eClinicalMedicine. 2025;80
  2. Liu L, Li Z, Ye W, et al. Safety and effects of anti-obesity medications on weight loss, cardiometabolic, and psychological outcomes in people living with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. eClinicalMedicine. 2025;79