Weight-loss jab users warned about relationship side effect no one prepares you for

People taking GLP-1 medication have been warned about a potential unexpected side effect of the medication.

Most medications have side effects in their use and developers often have to weigh up whether the positive effect is 'worth' the side effects, but this is less of a physiological effect than a social one.

GLP-1 drugs were first licensed for the treatment of diabetes by regulating blood sugar, but one effect of them is that they make someone feel more full after less food, so when combined with diet and exercise they can support people in weight loss.

Now, the medications are being prescribed for weight management as well, and their popularity has exploded as a result.

But while physical side effects are one thing, an unexpected side-effect of the medication could be to have an impact on someone's relationship with their partner.

One patient, who gave her name only as Jennifer, spoke to The Guardian about her weight loss journey.

GLP-1 medication has exploded in popularity (Getty Images)

Jennifer had struggled with her weight since she was a child, and found that the medication did help her, but she had not expected the 'psychological changes' and how those affected her marriage.

“I’m glad I had five years of therapy before I started it. I am not sure I would have been equipped for the psychological changes otherwise," she said.

She added: “I’m less afraid of our relationship failing, so maybe I hold him to a higher standard than I used to."

While it may be too early to say, some studies have indicated a correlation between weight loss medication and marital breakdown.

A study carried out by Professor Per-Arne Svensson at the University of Gothenburg looked at 12,531 married patients who had bariatric surgery, a different form of weight loss treatment.

This found that divorce rates among the couples where one person had the treatment were 14.4 percent within six years, compared to 8.2 percent of the overall population, The Telegraph reports.

Many people are now taking the medication for weight loss (Getty Stock)

“Very similar mechanisms could occur with Ozempic [and other GLP-1 receptor agonists] as with surgery, with regards to changes in relationships,” Prof Svensson said.

However, others have warned that while it is potentially interesting, more study is needed to know for sure.

Dr Mark Mellor is a GP and bariatric doctor, and warned that carrying out research into this would be difficult.

“Human libido and relationships are complex at their core, so it would be very difficult to extrapolate what it is about these medicines specifically that would have an impact there," he told The Guardian.

Prof Svensson also pointed out that it may not be the weight loss specifically that leads to the breakdown of a relationship, but could be other factors entirely.

“People who embark on the weight-loss journey usually have a lot of other life changes as well,” he said.

“That means that they are probably becoming more social, trying to live a healthier life."

And that's all well and good if your partner is supportive, but some might find it difficult to adjust to the changes in their partner's life.