Weight loss drugs like Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, have become extremely popular in recent years. While it is primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes, some people are also impressed by the weight loss results it delivers. However, like any other medication, weight loss drugs also have side effects. In fact, alongside the physical transformations, some users have also reported an unexpected change – a shift in their personality, giving it the term "Ozempic personality". But what does it really mean, and should patients be concerned?
We spoke to Dr Kashish Gupta, Consultant Endocrinologist, PSRI Hospital, Delhi, to understand how semaglutide influences not only the body but also the mind.
Also Read: How Does Ozempic Work For Diabetes?
What Is Ozempic Personality?
“The term ‘Ozempic personality’ has emerged informally to describe the emotional and behavioural changes some people report while using semaglutide-based drugs like Ozempic for weight loss or diabetes,” explained Dr Gupta. “Patients sometimes describe themselves as becoming less food-focused, more disciplined, calmer, or even emotionally detached.”
According to the doctor, this shift can feel like a new identity because food cravings, impulsive eating, and associated emotions play such a central role in daily life. When these patterns change drastically, people may feel like their personality has shifted too.
Can Weight Loss Drugs Affect Mood And Behaviour?
It was in 2023 when the European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced it was reviewing drugs like Ozempic, Saxenda and Wegovy after reports of suicidal thoughts and self-harm among some users. Triggered by a signal from Iceland’s medicines agency, the review looked into about 150 cases linked to liraglutide and semaglutide. While these medicines have been used safely by millions for diabetes and weight management, regulators stressed it was unclear whether the drugs caused the symptoms or if they were linked to patients’ underlying conditions. At the time, suicidal behaviour was not listed as a side effect, and the EMA described the review as precautionary.
In the same year, a large study using electronic health records examined whether semaglutide increases the risk of suicidal thoughts. Researchers compared over 2.4 lakh people with obesity and 10.5 lakh with diabetes who were prescribed semaglutide or other medications. The results showed semaglutide users actually had a lower risk of new and recurring suicidal ideation compared to those on non-GLP-1 drugs.
However, more recent studies, like the one published in 2024 in Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, suggest that these drugs affect certain brain regions linked to emotions, which causes some patients to notice mood changes. However, researchers highlight the need for more studies to fully understand these effects.
According to Dr Gupta, semaglutide works on the brain’s appetite-regulating centres, particularly those linked to reward and impulse control. “As appetite decreases, individuals may feel less preoccupied with food, which creates more mental space for other activities. However, this shift may also reduce the emotional comfort some people previously derived from eating, which can cause irritability, flatness, or emotional numbness in certain cases. Some patients report improvements in confidence and mood due to weight loss, while others experience anxiety, guilt, or frustration as they adjust to new eating behaviours.”
Taken together, these findings suggest that while semaglutide does not appear to increase the overall risk of suicidal thoughts, it may affect people differently on an emotional level. However, experts agree that more research is needed to fully understand these psychological effects and guide safer, more personalised use of these medications.
Are These Personality Changes Temporary Or Long-Term?
If people experience personality changes due to weight loss drugs, in most cases, these changes are temporary and often stabilise once the body and mind adapt to the medication, said Dr Gupta. "The initial months may feel like a dramatic transition, but over time patients usually regain a sense of balance and establish new routines. Long-lasting effects are less common but may occur in individuals with underlying mood or anxiety disorders, where semaglutide’s influence on appetite and brain chemistry interacts with existing vulnerabilities."
Ongoing research is still exploring the long-term psychological profile of these medications, so it is important to treat personality changes as evolving rather than permanent.
What Should People Taking Weight Loss Drugs Keep In Mind?
It can be disconcerting to feel 'different' emotionally after starting a medication. Dr Gupta stresses the importance of not stopping the drug suddenly without medical advice.
Instead, patients can:
- Keep a mood journal to track changes.
- Share observations with close family or friends.
- Consult their doctor if feelings of detachment, irritability, or anxiety persist.
- Seek support through nutrition counselling or therapy if needed.
Additionally, medical follow-ups should not only focus on weight and blood sugar levels. Mental health screening is equally important.
“Doctors should ask simple but direct questions about mood, motivation, or social withdrawal,” Dr Gupta suggested. “This helps uncover early warning signs.” In cases of significant changes, collaboration with mental health professionals can make a big difference.
Encouraging patients to set realistic expectations is also key. Rapid weight loss can sometimes bring pressure, disappointment, or stress. With open communication, lifestyle coaching, and supportive counselling, doctors can guide patients toward healthier outcomes, both physically and emotionally.