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Edited by: TJVNews.com
Kristen Ireland, a 27-year-old managing sports-merchandise stores in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, struggled with the eating disorder known as bulimia nervosa for years, as was reported in The Wall Street Journal. Despite working with a therapist and taking medications for anxiety and depression, her binges and purges persisted. However, when her psychiatrist prescribed Victoza, a diabetes medication similar to Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, Ireland’s symptoms began to fade away, providing her with a newfound sense of freedom, the WSJ report added.
The weight-loss industry has witnessed the remarkable efficacy of a class of drugs that mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which acts on appetite centers in the brain and gut. These synthetic GLP-1 drugs have facilitated an average weight loss of 15% among patients. The WSJ reported that recent studies and the experiences of medical professionals indicate that these drugs might also hold potential in addressing binge eating disorders. By inducing a feeling of fullness and reducing the release of dopamine associated with eating, GLP-1 drugs impact the brain’s impulse control and decision-making mechanisms, the report stated. This effect results in better control over food and reduced impulsiveness, as explained by neuroscientists.
However, it is important to note that GLP-1 drugs do not address the underlying problems often associated with binge eating or bulimia, such as stressors, trauma, or mental illness. The WSJ reported that eating disorder specialists emphasize that while these drugs might reduce the frequency of binges, they cannot alleviate the related psychological factors. Consequently, any benefits derived from GLP-1 drugs may disappear once individuals cease taking the medication. Dr. Kelli Rugless, a psychologist and chief clinical officer at Project HEAL, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting individuals with eating disorders, told the WSJ that, It’s a short-term fix.”
According to the National Eating Disorders Association, approximately one-tenth of Americans will develop an eating disorder during their lifetime, with binge-eating disorder being the most prevalent form, the WSJ reported. Dr. Andrew Kraftson, director of the Weight Navigation Program at the University of Michigan, closely monitors patients with binge-eating disorder who are prescribed GLP-1 drugs to gauge the effectiveness of the medication. However, he cautions that individuals with a history of anorexia require special attention and careful evaluation, advising against prescribing these drugs to those with active anorexia.
For Kristen Ireland, her experience with Victoza proved transformative. The WSJ reported that she took the medication from 2018 to 2022, except for temporary interruptions when her insurance ceased coverage. During those gaps, she would revert to consuming large amounts of ice cream and subsequently purge the following morning. The WSJ reported said that Dr. Michael Lutter, her psychiatrist, switched her to low-dose semaglutide, the active ingredient found in Ozempic and Wegovy, which she now purchases from a pharmacy in Dallas for approximately $300 every 2 ½ months. It is worth noting that versions of these drugs produced by compounding pharmacies are not reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration.
Dr. Lutter has spent years studying how genetic mutations affect binge eating. He discovered that certain individuals with binge-eating disorder have mutations that influence hunger and fullness cues, the WSJ report said. Starting in 2019, when he established his own practice in Plano, Texas, Dr. Lutter began prescribing GLP-1 drugs to his patients. He commences treatment with low doses and gradually increases them until the binge eating is under control. Dr. Lutter clarifies that the primary goal is not weight loss, although it is a common outcome, as was reported by the WSJ. He actively encourages patients to combine the medication with therapy and dietary guidance provided by therapists and dietitians.
Seventeen-year-old Annie Moody had been struggling with binge eating for years until she was referred to Dr. Lutter in 2021. Increasingly, adolescents are using weight-loss medications and undergoing bariatric surgery, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, to address obesity, according to the WSJ report. Dr. Lutter diagnosed Annie with binge-eating disorder and attempted several medications that proved ineffective, including an FDA-approved ADHD drug and an appetite suppressant. Ultimately, in January, he prescribed her a low dose of semaglutide, which she obtains from a compounding pharmacy in Frisco, Texas, at a cost of around $180 for a three-month supply, the report indicated. Annie testifies that semaglutide has transformed her relationship with food, enabling her to think about other things rather than being consumed by thoughts of eating and losing control.
While prescribing weight-loss drugs to treat eating disorders without comprehensive therapy is considered dangerous by eating-disorder specialists, there are cases where GLP-1 drugs can be effective when used in conjunction with therapy and the supervision of specialists in the field, the WSJ noted in their report. Dr. Susan McElroy, a psychiatrist and chief research officer at the Lindner Center of HOPE in Ohio, is one such professional who prescribes GLP-1 drugs for patients with binge eating. Dr. McElroy emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring patients’ weight, eating patterns, and lab results. She acknowledges that these drugs can be successful when other treatment approaches have failed.
Dr. Lutter underscores that the GLP-1 drugs he prescribes are not meant to replace therapy. If binge eating resumes, patients are encouraged to resume therapy or seek support from dietitians. However, both Annie Moody and Kristen Ireland attest that they no longer feel the need for the support of therapists or dietitians, as was reported in the WSJ. They expect to remain on the medication indefinitely, as it has become an integral part of their lives.
In conclusion, GLP-1 drugs have shown promise in the treatment of binge eating disorders, aiding in weight loss and providing relief to individuals with a history of uncontrolled eating. However, it is crucial to address the underlying psychological factors through comprehensive therapy to achieve long-term solutions, the report said. While GLP-1 drugs can be effective, they should be used in conjunction with therapy, regular monitoring, and the oversight of eating-disorder specialists to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
