Psychologist explains true reality as Ozempic users report sex drive side effect of the drug

A psychologist has revealed what effect Ozempic can have on a person's sex drive and how that ties into the 'reward system'.

Now, people are using Ozempic to manage their weight, but its manufacturer says it's actually only prescribed as a GLP-1 medicine for adults suffering with Type-2 diabetes.

Novo Nordisk told LADbible Group that Ozempic is a 'prescription only medicine and requires a healthcare professional to prescribe under strict supervision'.

Well, the way it works is when Ozempic is in your bloodstream, it essentially reduces your appetite and 'food noise'.

The drug then stabilises blood sugar and curbs cravings, making you feel fuller for longer.

By reducing food intake and exercising more, you lose weight.

However, common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and constipation.

Although less common side effects such as changes in muscle strength, Ozempic butt and 'bedroom side effects' are also being reported by some users.

'Lack of sex drive' while on Ozempic

Some have reported a 'lack of sex drive' while on Ozempic (Getty Stock Images)

Over on Reddit, one person alleged: "The only side effect I have noticed that's causing issues in my life is that I have absolutely no sex drive at all, and I'm almost repulsed by the notion of it.

"I have more or less the same feelings that I have when presented with a big meal. Like the thought of having sex is almost nauseating."

They added: "If I was single this really wouldn't impact my life very much, but I live with my boyfriend of about 2.5 years, and the sharp decrease in our sex life is causing issues in our relationship."

Sex drive 'side effect' explained

A psychologist has revealed what effect Ozempic can have on a person's sex drive (Getty Stock Images)

Rachel Goldman PhD, a physiologist and professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, told purewow that taking Ozempic can lead to a general lack of 'interest'.

"What we do know is GLP-1s impact the reward centre in the brain, which is why you're having less food noise, fewer cravings and less interest in alcohol use. It's also why what might impact your sex drive," she told the outlet.

Though she did note that it's hard to determine whether Ozempic directly causes changes in libido, as she's seen both heightened and diminished sex drives among her patients.

But Goldman does believe that shifting levels of desire can also lead to imbalance in relationships.

For instance, if neither partner previously showed much interest in sex, and one partner’s libido suddenly increases while on Ozempic, the other may feel excluded.

Novo Nordisk, which manufactures Ozempic, previously said: "Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Novo Nordisk, and we recommend patients take these medications for their approved indications and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

"We continuously collect safety data on our marketed GLP-1 medicines and work closely with the authorities to ensure patient safety. As part of this work, we continue to monitor reports of adverse drug reactions through routine pharmacovigilance.

"We recommend that any patient experiencing side effects while taking GLP-1 RA medicines, including Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide injection), report them to their healthcare provider and via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme."

LADbible Group has contacted Novo Nordisk for further comment.