Key takeaways:

• GLP-1 medications can lead to psychological changes that may occur more quickly than physical ones.
• Using person-centered, compassionate language is crucial when speaking to patients using GLP-1s.

NEW YORK — Using a GLP-1 receptor agonist may lead to a wide range of psychiatric effects, and psychological support is an important part of patient management, according to a speaker.

Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS, FASMBS-IH, licensed psychologist and clinical assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, said there has been a rising number of psychological, behavioral and emotional changes tied to GLP-1 use as the medications have become more widely prescribed. Goldman said GLP-1s are not just leading to changes in body weight, but also emotional and psychological changes for many people. During a talk at the 2026 GLP-1 Effects on Skin Inflammation, Skin Aging and the Cardiometabolic Syndrome Summit, Goldman called for the need for more integrated care with GLP-1s in which individualized psychiatric support is provided for patients.

Infographic content were derived from Goldman R. The mental health impacts of GLP-1s. Presented at: GLP-1 Effects on Skin Inflammation, Skin Aging and the Cardiometabolic Syndrome Summit; July 15, 2026; New York.

“All of our systems are connected; the mind-body connection is real,” Goldman said during a presentation. “What is going on in the body is impacting the mind and our thoughts. What is going on in our brain and our thoughts are impacting the body. … There’s a lot of change and a lot of shifts. We have to be aware of it.”

Psychiatric changes with GLP-1s

There are several areas where patients have reported psychiatric and behavioral changes after starting GLP-1 therapy. Goldman said many people report a decrease in “food noise,” with fewer intrusive thoughts about food, less of a preoccupation with food and eating, and changes in hunger awareness.

The decrease in food noise can help reduce impulsive eating and lead to shifts in eating patterns, but it could have some negative effects as well, Goldman said during the presentation.

“Food is no longer a primary coping tool, but that can also be a little problematic,” Goldman said. “If individuals don’t have other coping tools and now they are feeling stressed, emotional, tired or any of these things, what are they going to turn to?”

Goldman said the change in behavior seen with GLP-1 therapy is a psychiatric and emotional shift for patients. GLP-1s may impact people differently on an emotional level, and some patients report not enjoying activities as much as they once did after they start using a GLP-1, whereas others report their mood improved with the medication, Goldman said.

“This variability truly does highlight the need for individualized care rather than a one-size-fits-all approach,” Goldman said.

Some people who use GLP-1s also experience changes in reward and motivation, according to Goldman. Some patients may report differences in anticipatory pleasure, but other people may report feeling more emotionally steady than in the past, Goldman said.

People may not necessarily have improvements in body image and identity after GLP-1 therapy, Goldman said, adding that there may be a lag between a person’s physical change and their perception of their body.

Changes in eating behavior related to GLP-1 therapy could affect one’s social interactions, Goldman said. People who use GLP-1s may adjust their social routines regarding eating out, which could influence relationships.

Additionally, Goldman said, weight stigma, stigma around using GLP-1s and social media can affect how people view themselves and their experience.

“We have to consider the external environment,” Goldman said. “There are a lot of buoys out there. ... There are strong cultural barriers around weight and medication because we know that this is not a willpower issue. There’s weight stigma and this has to be addressed.”

The power of language

The words healthcare professionals use when speaking with patients about body weight are essential, according to Goldman. She advised healthcare professionals to use person-first, nonstigmatizing language to reduce shame and improve engagement and trust with patients.

“Ask open-ended questions,” Goldman said. “How we talk to our patients is important because it can encourage or discourage things that they do. We can help motivate our patients.”

Not using person-first language can have negative consequences. Goldman said it may cause people to avoid care, partake in emotional eating and disengage from others.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard from patients, ‘I felt ashamed, I felt stigmatized, I felt judged by my doctor,’” Goldman said. “These are simple little tweaks that we can all be mindful of.”

In addition to being careful about language, Goldman advised healthcare professionals to come from a place of compassion and validate the feelings of the patient, remember that a person’s language can shape their experience and to be thoughtful and engage in shared decision-making with patients when developing goals.

For more information:

Rachel L. Goldman, PhD, FTOS, FASMBIS-IH, is a licensed psychologist, author of the book When Life Happens, and clinical assistant professor in the department of psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Goldman can be reached at DrRachel@DrRachelNYC.com or on Instagram @drrachelnyc.