Toronto, ON – July 9, 2025 — As the popularity of medications for weight loss, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, surges across North America, new research raises important concerns about their use among adolescent boys and young men.
A recent study of 1,543 males aged 15 to 35 in Canada and the United States found that those who used prescription weight loss medications in the past year were significantly more likely to report disordered eating behaviors and attitudes, including binge eating, purging, and loss of control while eating.
Although only 1.2% of participants reported using prescription weight loss medication in the past 12 months, users exhibited significantly higher levels of eating disorder psychopathology compared to non-users. The study also found that the boys and men who reported they used the medication were generally older and had higher body mass index (BMI), suggesting they may face unique pressures or vulnerabilities related to body image and weight control.
"These findings are especially timely given the increasing accessibility and media attention surrounding GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy," says lead author Kyle T Ganson, assistant professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. "While these medications are typically prescribed for diabetes or obesity, their off-label use for weight loss has become popular. Our findings underscore potential psychological implications for young men."
The study highlights a critical and often overlooked intersection between weight loss medication use and disordered eating in males. With public discourse and pharmaceutical marketing increasingly targeting broader populations, including men, there is a pressing need for research, clinical screening, and education to prevent unintended harms.
"Boys and men are frequently left out of the conversation about eating disorders and body image pressures, but this study makes clear that they are not immune to the risks," says Ganson.
As prescription weight loss medications continue to reshape the landscape of body image and health behaviors, the study's authors call for increased awareness among healthcare providers and policymakers to ensure safe use, especially among adolescents and young adults.
