(NewsNation) — Some people using the weight loss drug Ozempic have noticed a surprising side effect.
‘Ozempic personality’ explained
Patients report what’s being called an emotional flattening around things that they used to enjoy, such as romance, exercise, music and socializing, which is being labeled “Ozempic Personality.”
Those suffering from it report losing their motivation to do anything, their drive, as well as their ability to enjoy life. Researchers believe that it could be linked to how GLP-1 medications influence dopamine.
Dopamine is the chemical in our brain that makes rewards feel valuable. It gives us the motivation to do something when we’re feeling pleasure.
Dr. Drew: ‘Priorities sink away’ with ‘Ozempic personality’
Dr. Drew joined “Batya!” to discuss why he believes it is not a personality change, but instead, a motivational change.
“You’ve got to understand, the brain has fundamentally two systems, a liking system and a wanting system. If you do these things, like eating or romance or going to work, you’ll still like it, you just don’t want to do it,” he told NewsNation.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 17: Ozempic is medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes that along with diet and exercise may improve blood sugar. While some doctors are prescribing it “off label” for weight loss, on March 17, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Steve Christo/Getty Images)
“That wanting part that is part of the reward system, the drive system that is the opposite of addiction, where literally when you see addiction, one priority emerges and all the other priorities sink away. In this case, all the priorities flatten away and you don’t want to want these things, even though you still like them.”
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Dr. Drew believes while some health benefits can be clear, caution should be exercised in the use of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs.
“The excessive enthusiasm for these drugs is what scares me more than anything. I’ve seen very serious medical complications, including death. I’ve seen this apathy develop that can be destructive to people’s lives. They don’t go to work. They’re not interested in their spouses,” he said.
“They’re not interested in their children. The things that usually interest them are just not that interesting anymore. And so they have to be very cautious with how much, how long, and for whom this drug is prescribed.”
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