OTTAWA – The study found that individuals who had used these prescription medications within the past year were more likely to experience behavioural and eating disorders such as overeating, vomiting, and loss of control.

They noted that the percentage of users of these medications did not exceed 1.2 percent, but they showed significantly higher levels of psychological distress associated with eating disorders than non-users.

The study’s lead researcher, Kyle Ganson, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, said these findings are timely, given the increased availability of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, and the growing media interest in them.

He added that although these medications are typically prescribed to treat diabetes or obesity, their off-label use for weight loss has become widespread, raising concerns about their potential psychological effects on young people.