GLP-1s and Joy
GLP-1 medications have been making headlines for their effectiveness in supporting weight management and improving health. But as with any major shift in our body chemistry, they can also bring unexpected changes in how we feel. Many people are surprised to notice a shift in joy, motivation, or desire. If that’s you, you’re not alone.
The Joy Set Point: What Is It and Where Does It Come From?
Scientists often talk about a “set point” for happiness or joy, the baseline level of positive emotion we return to after life’s ups and downs. This set point is shaped by:
Genetics: Some of us are naturally wired for more optimism or resilience.
Environment: Our upbringing, culture, and life experiences all play a role.
Habits: Gratitude, movement, social connection, and rest can lift our set point over time.
Think of it as your internal thermostat for joy. Even when life changes, your brain gently nudges you back toward that baseline.
What Are GLP-1s and How Do They Work?
GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are a class of medications originally developed for type 2 diabetes but now also used for weight management. They mimic a natural hormone that:
Slows digestion so you feel fuller longer
Reduces appetite and cravings
Improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control
For many, they’re life-changing, helping manage weight, reduce health risks, and improve energy levels.
How Do GLP-1s Affect Joy and Desire?
Because GLP-1s work directly on appetite and reward pathways in the brain, they may unintentionally influence pleasure and motivation in other areas. People sometimes report:
Less desire for favorite foods
A dulled sense of enjoyment or reduced cravings overall
Lower drive for activities that used to bring pleasure
Research on Side Effects and Emotional Well-Being
Early research suggests that some GLP-1 users may experience emotional flattening - less positive emotion, decreased motivation, or even a reduced sense of reward. While the main focus of studies has been physical health outcomes, there is growing interest in understanding these psychological side effects. What’s clear is that when appetite and reward systems are dialed down, it may also dial down non-food sources of pleasure.
How to Prevent a Loss of Joy with GLP-1s
The good news? Joy isn’t lost, it just needs new pathways. Protecting your emotional well-being means being proactive about joy:
Awareness: Notice if you feel less motivated or excited than before.
Connection: Stay engaged in relationships that energize you.
Curiosity: Experiment with new hobbies, flavors, or experiences that spark interest.
Movement: Exercise not only supports GLP-1 effectiveness but also boosts natural endorphins.
How to Boost Joy While on GLP-1s
If you’re noticing less joy, try these small but powerful strategies:
Schedule Joy Breaks: Put fun, laughter, or play on your calendar the way you would a meeting.
Engage Your Senses: Music, scents, or art can activate pleasure centers in new ways.
Practice Gratitude: Writing down three small joys daily helps retrain your brain’s reward system.
Nourish Social Bonds: Joy grows in connection. Share meals, walks, or conversations with others.
Seek Professional Support: If you notice ongoing low mood, a healthcare provider can help adjust your treatment or provide tools to restore balance.
GLP-1s are powerful allies for health, but they may come with unexpected shifts in how joy shows up in your life. By understanding what’s happening and practicing intentional habits, you can protect and even expand your joy set point.
Remember: joy is not just a feeling, it’s a practice. With the right strategies, you can thrive both physically and emotionally while on GLP-1s.
References:
Medaris, A. (2025, July 1). A new era of weight loss: Mental health effects of GLP-1 drugs: Psychologists are helping patients manage body image, identity, and relationship changes. American Psychologist, 56(5), 66.
Scott, D. (2025, August 25). The one, big unanswered question about Ozempic. The Highlight (Vol., No.). Vox. Retrieved from https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/420418/ozempic-glp-1-drugs-pill-forms-science?utm
Yapici-Eser, H., Appadurai, V., Eren, C. Y., Yazici, D., Chen, C.-Y., Öngür, D., Pizzagalli, D. A., Werge, T., & Hall, M.-H. (2020). Association between GLP-1 receptor gene polymorphisms with reward learning, anhedonia, and depression diagnosis. Acta Neuropsychiatrica, 32(4), 218–225. https://doi.org/10.1017/neu.2020.14
