Are GLP-1 medications safe for people with eating disorders?

GLP-1 medications are generally contraindicated in patients with active eating disorders. These medications suppress appetite significantly, which can trigger or exacerbate disordered eating patterns in vulnerable individuals. They may enable restrictive eating behaviors, mask signs of inadequate nutrition, or reinforce unhealthy relationships with food. For patients in recovery from eating disorders, decisions are made individually considering recovery duration, stability of eating patterns, and psychiatric support availability. Some providers may prescribe with close monitoring by both medical and mental health professionals if the patient has obesity-related health risks that outweigh concerns. Binge eating disorder is sometimes treated with GLP-1s as the medication reduces food preoccupation, but this requires specialized psychiatric oversight. Patients with histories of anorexia nervosa are typically not candidates due to the risk of relapse into restriction behaviors.