Romania faces 'agonorexia' fears as weight-loss drugs spark eating disorder concerns

A new concern, dubbed 'agonorexia,' is emerging in Romania, linked to the widespread use of GLP-1 class medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These drugs, originally prescribed for type 2 diabetes, have gained significant popularity for weight loss, causing shortages in pharmacies across the country.

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When there are already psychological fragilities – with a history of eating disorders, rigid perfectionism, body-related anxiety, compulsive eating, shame, rumination – some medications can maintain or accentuate an excessive preoccupation with weight, diet, and 'control'.

Specialists are raising alarms about the less-discussed side effects of these medications. For some individuals, the treatment may foster or worsen eating disorders. The surge in demand for weight loss has led to reports from diabetic patients struggling to find their prescribed medications. A Reddit post highlighted this issue, questioning if the 'diabetes drugs for weight loss craze' was responsible for the scarcity.

Beyond their impact on weight, these drugs can alter a person's relationship with food and their body. Clinical psychologist Luminița Tăbăran explains that in individuals with pre-existing psychological vulnerabilities, such as a history of eating disorders, rigid perfectionism, body-related anxiety, compulsive eating, or shame, these medications can intensify an excessive focus on weight, diet, and 'control.'

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And instead of a more stable framework appearing, thoughts start to dominate: food, calories, 'what is allowed,' the scale, feelings of guilt after eating. Moreover, compensatory or excessive 'regulation' behaviors also start to appear: too strict restriction, social avoidance, fixed counting of calories or macronutrients, eating rituals.

Initial weight loss can shift perspectives on eating and body image. Instead of achieving a stable outlook, thoughts may become dominated by food, calorie counting, 'what's allowed,' the scale, and guilt after eating. This can escalate to overly restrictive behaviors, social avoidance, rigid calorie tracking, and food rituals. In some cases, irritability and anxiety may increase if weight loss doesn't meet expectations, significantly impacting social life and emotional well-being, turning weight loss into an obsession.

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In some cases, irritability and anxiety can increase when one cannot eat 'according to plan,' or when weight does not decrease as expected. Social life and emotional state change significantly: less interest in other activities, withdrawal, shame related to the body, and the desire to lose weight becomes an obsession.