Weight Loss vs. Libido: Expert Shares Sexual Side Effects of Ozempic and GLP-1 Drugs

If you've been on social media lately, you've probably noticed that Ozempic, Wegovy, and other GLP-1 drugs have dominated the conversation around weight loss. These medications have helped many people with obesity and diabetes, but as their popularity has grown, so has curiosity about a lesser-discussed topic, including their impact on sexual health and libido.

So, to clear the air, the editorial team of Onlymyhealth spoke to Dr Nanda N, Consultant, Adult & Paediatric Endocrinology, Kauvery Hospital, Marathahalli, Bangalore, and find out why some people have changes in their sex drive, and why some may even notice improvements.

Why GLP-1 Drugs Affect More Than Just Weight

Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, such as Ozempic, have an influence on insulin, appetite, gut movement, and the brain's reward pathways. Hence, they can indirectly affect sexual desire.

“These drugs work on multiple hormonal and metabolic pathways. As a person loses weight, their body undergoes physiological changes, some of these changes are positive, some challenging, and therefore the libido can change along with it.”

It's not the drug alone, but rather weight loss combined with hormonal adjustments, mood changes, and energy levels that affect sexual health.

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Why Some Individuals Develop Increased Libido

Many people report that their libido actually improves since starting on GLP-1 therapy. Here’s how Dr Nanda explained why:

• Better confidence: Generally, when one loses weight, they start feeling more comfortable within their bodies and show a greater inclination for intimacy.
• Improved mobility: Reduced joint pain and better stamina can make sex physically easier and more pleasurable.
• Better metabolic health: Conditions like insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can impair sexual function. Improving them may indirectly boost libido.
• Mood Enhancement: Some people feel that with better mental clarity, emotional eating is reduced, and in general, they can feel lighter.

For many, weight loss is not about the number on the scale, but about the rediscovery of oneself that they might have felt disconnected from.

But Not Everyone Experiences a Boost and Here’s Why Libido May Drop

On the other hand, some users taking Ozempic and other medicines in this category report a decrease in their sexual drive. According to Dr Nanda, this may be for a number of reasons, including:

• Calorie deficit and fatigue: Sometimes, very fast weight loss leaves one exhausted, which affects libido.
• Nausea or GI discomfort: With common side effects of vomiting, bloating, or diarrhoea, intimacy often feels like the last thing on your mind.
• Hormonal shifts: Weight loss, particularly in a rapid manner, influences oestrogen levels for women and testosterone in men.
• Body image anxiety during transition phase: The sudden change in the body makes people sometimes feel disconnected or insecure.
• Underlying health conditions: Diseases or disorders like diabetes, PCOS, thyroid issues, or depression can already set the stage for low libido. Additionally, the introduction of a new drug can temporarily worsen the symptoms.

Dr Nanda added, “Most sexual side effects improve as the body adjusts to the medication. But if libido changes persist, it’s important to speak to your doctor rather than suffering silently.”

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How to Protect Your Sexual Health While on Ozempic or GLP-1 Drugs

If you're having undesirable changes in libido, here are some expert-approved ways that can help:

• Be patient: The first few months are often the hardest, so give your body time to adapt. 
• Prioritise nutrition: Make sure you're not under-eating as low calories can make your libido drop.
• Manage stress and sleep: Fatigue and cortisol are major libido killers, hence one needs to be very mindful.
• Stay hydrated: Dehydration worsens nausea and tiredness.
• Dose adjustments: Even a small reduction in dose can sometimes reduce side effects. But always consult your doctor first.
• Regular check-ups: Get hormone levels checked if symptoms last longer than a few months.

Bottomline

GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, may impact libido positively or negatively. The bottom line is that sexual health is very intertwined with hormonal balance, mental health, and metabolic health in general. If you're worried, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.