A doctor has weighed in on the debate around 'Ozempic sex' and why the GLP-1 medication could be having a negative impact on your sex drive.
Users of the drug, which was created to manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type-2 diabetes, have reported a number of different side effects, from hair loss to 'Ozempic penis'.
Recently, an increasing number of patients using Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications, such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, have reported a marked reduction in sex drive.
"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," one Ozempic user noted on Reddit.
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"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."
Impact of GLP-1 medications on libido explained
Rachel Goldman, PhD, a physiologist and professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, previously explained the downturn in libido was down to a 'general lack of interest,' however, a doctor has now explained it's more to do with the medication 'blunting dopamine activity'.
GLP-1 medications work by mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar, suppresses appetite and slows digestion, which in turn is said to 'reduce food noise,' particularly for those who struggle with binge eating. However, it can also reduce the pleasure that is achieved through eating due to its dopamine-dimming effects.
"Weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy are now widely used for weight management due to their powerful effects on appetite control and sustained weight loss," Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy and Weight Loss Injection Expert at Chemist4U, said.
"As more people begin using these treatments, we’re seeing a growing awareness of how they impact more than just a patient’s weight, particularly around people’s sex drive, intimacy, and sexual satisfaction."
He went on to explain that as well as suppressing appetite, GLP-1s also influence the brain's reward system, 'particularly dopamine pathways.'
Murphy continued: "Dopamine is central to sexual desire, pleasure, and motivation, so with GLP-1s blunting dopamine activity, it not only reduces cravings for food, but it can also reduce sexual cravings and emotional ‘reward’ from intimacy."
While it's unclear how many GLP-1 users experience a lack of libido, several common side effects have been heavily reported, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and constipation.
Less common side effects such as changes in muscle strength, Ozempic butt and 'bedroom side effects' are also being reported by some users.
LADbible has contatced Novo Nordisk for comment.
Emma Rosemurgey