BlogBinge EatingCan Semaglutide Stop Binge Eating?

Can Semaglutide Stop Binge Eating?

Binge eating is the most common eating disorder in America, and it’s often followed by feelings of depression, guilt, and shame. New research suggests the medication semaglutide can slow or even stop the urge to binge—and the shame that follows.
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We all can remember a time when we ate bowl after bowl of ice cream without planning to. Or felt so stuffed after three helpings of Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole that we wished we were wearing baggy sweatpants. For people with binge eating disorder (BED), however, out-of-control eating happens often—at least once a week.

BED can lead to major feelings of depression, guilt, and shame. It also increases risk for certain health conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. There are treatments that can help, however. And most recently, the medication semaglutide has shown promise. 

To learn more details about BED and the latest research about treatments, read on.

What is binge eating disorder?

BED is the most common eating disorder in America. It affects an estimated 2.3% of women and 0.3% of men, research shows. Unlike bulimia, in which people eat large amounts of food and then purge the food by vomiting or using laxatives (or in some cases, by over-exercising to avoid weight gain), BED involves overeating without the purging element. 

“Binge eating disorder involves compulsive eating that is connected to the reward center in the brain,” says Cathy Epps, PharmD, Chief Pharmacist with ReflexMD. “It has a different set of drivers than bulimia.” Feelings of extreme shame often follow bouts of uncontrolled eating. This leads to restricted eating, which then can trigger another round of compulsive overeating, creating an endless cycle.

This disorder can affect anyone at any age. However, BED most commonly occurs in teens and people in their 20s. The average age of onset is 21, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

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Symptoms of BED include eating an unusually large amount of food—often thousands of calories, very quickly, even when you’re not hungry—until you are uncomfortably full. People with BED experience extreme distress about their behavior. They most commonly overeat when they are alone, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Friends and family may have no idea they are dealing with this mental health condition. 

The connection between BED, obesity, and diabetes

People of any size can have BED, but it’s more common in those who have obesity. And there’s a strong correlation between BED and type 2 diabetes. 

One recent study found that around 20 percent of people with type 2 diabetes have an underlying eating disorder, most commonly BED. This may be because of the focus on food control and weight management needed to manage diabetes, according to NIDDK. 

There also may be a reverse connection at play. In those who have BED, excessive weight gain can contribute to a diabetes diagnosis. 

Current treatments for BED

Getting compulsive overeating under control often takes a combination of medication and talk therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), research has found, is a recommended treatment. It involves recognizing the thoughts and triggers that lead to compulsive eating. It also means learning different ways to cope and to normalize eating. 

Doctors prescribe different medications to treat BED, depending on the person’s health and other conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. Some SSRI antidepressants can help, though they can come with a range of side effects. An anticonvulsant called topiramate (used to treat epilepsy) has been used off-label to treat the disorder. Right now, the only FDA-approved medication to treat BED is lisdexamfetamine. 

“This is a medication for ADHD that also acts as an appetite suppressant,” Dr. Epps explains. It’s been effective. But it’s also a controlled substance with the potential to become addictive. And in recent years, there have been chronic shortages of the medication.

The role of semaglutide in BED treatment

There is a new game in town for treating BED. A few preliminary studies over the past few years have shown the potential of glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) medications, including semaglutide, for treating BED, with minimal side effects. That said, much more research needs to be done. 

Along with their effects on insulin and blood sugar, these medications work by both slowing digestion and sending signals to your brain about hunger and fullness. Side effects mainly include GI issues, such as constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.

One retrospective study of 98 patients attending an obesity clinic found that those taking semaglutide had a significantly greater reduction in binge eating compared with those treated with lisdexamfetamine and topiramate. 

Other GLP-1s may also help. A recent review found that GLP1-RAs such as liraglutide show promise in reducing how often people binge eat, their body weight, and comorbidities. This is possibly due to changes in how the brain signals the body that it’s full as well as its food reward pathway.

“GLP-1 seems to have great potential for treatment of these disorders,” says Dr. Epps. “It slows motility in the GI tract, and it gives that vagal response in which it goes up to your brain and tells you, Hey, you’re full, so stop eating!” 

Some of the research is showing that GLP-1 also suppresses the reward impulse in the brain in BED, she points out. It may also work on reducing compulsive behavior. 

Unlike lisdexamfetamine, GLP-1 is not a controlled substance. It also has other health benefits, primarily controlling blood sugar and aiding in weight loss, as well as potentially lowering the risk of heart and kidney disease, studies show. 

More work needs to be done, adds Dr. Epps. “There aren’t any clear, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies right now, but there is definitely promising information coming out, and there is great potential for it,” she says. 

The bottom line on BED and semaglutide

For people whose body weight and health conditions qualify them to take semaglutide (generally that includes those with type 2 diabetes or a body weight in the overweight or obesity range, according to Mayo Clinic), the medication may also have the added benefit of getting binge eating disorder under control.

It’s important to remember that the drug works in conjunction with behavioral changes. “Hopefully, if someone has been on semaglutide therapy and they’re also receiving cognitive behavior therapy, by the end of the treatment, they will be in a different headspace and will have new coping behaviors they can use,” Dr. Epps says.  “When it’s used in conjunction with CBT, I think semaglutide will really be able to help.” 

If you worry about binge eating and think semaglutide might be right for you, talk to your doctor or chat with a ReflexMD Wellness Advisor now.

RELATED: 18 Signs of Binge Eating You Should Never Ignore

Chevinsky J et al. Binge Eating Disorder in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Diagnostic and Management Challenges. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity. April 2020.

Eating Disorders. National Institute of Mental Health. January 2024.

Eating Disorders: Definitions. National Institute of Mental Health.Definitions and Facts for Binge-Eating Disorder. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. May 2021.

Harris S et al. Binge-Eating Disorder and Type-2 Diabetes: A Review. Endocrine Practice. December 13, 2020.

Vaidya V. Cognitive Behavior Therapy of Binge Eating Disorder. Advances in Psychosomatic Medicine. 2006.

Himmerich H et al. Pharmacological Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder and Frequent Comorbid Diseases. CNS Drugs. August 3, 2024.

Richards J et al. Successful Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder with the GLP-1 Agonist Semaglutide: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Obesity Pillars. September 2023.

Aoun L et al. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: A Novel Pharmacotherapy for Binge Eating (Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa)? A Systematic Review. The Journal of Clinical and Translational Endocrinology. February 29, 2024.

Ferhatbegovic L et al. The Benefits of GLP1 Receptors in Cardiovascular Diseases. Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare. December 8, 2023.

Who Qualifies for Semaglutide Injections? Mayo Clinic.

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Silence the food noise once and for all!

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Start the New Year strong!

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Your First 3 Months

Enter your information below to receive this offer.
By providing your email, you agree to our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Telehealth Consent. You also consent to receive promotional emails from ReflexMD. This consent is not a condition of purchase. You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails.
By providing your mobile number and submitting this form, you agree to receive marketing text messages (e.g. promos, cart/browse reminders) from ReflexMD at the number provided. Your consent is not a requirement for any purchase. Standard Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency varies. You can opt out at any time by replying STOP or clicking the unsubscribe link (where available). To learn more visit our Privacy Policy & Terms.

Semaglutide can help curb the urge to binge.

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