What does Ozempic do to your brain?

In this article:

• How does Ozempic work for weight loss?
• Effect on the brain's reward pathways
• Effect on mood and behavior
• Is there a connection between Ozempic and suicidal thoughts?
• Do GLP-1s give you brain fog?
• Does Ozempic protect against Alzheimer’s?
• Bottom line

In this article

• How does Ozempic work for weight loss?
• Effect on the brain's reward pathways
• Effect on mood and behavior
• Is there a connection between Ozempic and suicidal thoughts?
• Do GLP-1s give you brain fog?
• Does Ozempic protect against Alzheimer’s?
• Bottom line

Ozempic (semaglutide) is part of the glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist (GLP-1) class of drugs and is made by Novo Nordisk. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for blood glucose control in people with Type 2 diabetes. It is also used for cardiovascular risk reduction and kidney disease. Although it is often thought of as a diabetes drug, Ozempic is often prescribed off-label for weight loss, but it is not FDA approved for this use. Recently, there has been growing interest in other potential benefits of Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications. Ozempic has various effects on the body, including the brain, and more research is continuously finding potential new benefits of this drug.  

How does Ozempic work for weight loss?

Ozempic works for weight loss by mimicking a natural hormone (GLP-1) in the body, enhancing satiety by helping you feel full faster and satisfied for longer, so you eat less. Ozempic also slows down how fast food leaves the stomach, which can further reduce appetite. 

RELATED: How much weight can you lose in a month with Ozempic?

Ozempic’s effect on the brain’s reward pathways

People who take Ozempic often rave about how the medicine helps quiet food noise, which is when you have constant and persistent thoughts of foods that are hard to ignore. Examples include constantly thinking about the next meal or craving sweet or salty foods. These food-related intrusive thoughts can interfere with even the best dieting efforts. 

Drugs like semaglutide affect parts of the brain involved in the regulation of appetite, as well as reward-seeking behaviors. Research is ongoing about GLP-1s and food noise, but there seems to be a connection (based on anecdotal evidence) between using semaglutide and noticing less food noise. Researchers think that the satiety effects of GLP-1s may be related to their actions on the brain’s dopamine reward system.

Interestingly, some people also find that semaglutide reduces other compulsive behaviors, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and even shopping. While these effects are mostly anecdotal, they suggest that GLP-1s may influence reward pathways beyond appetite control.  

Ozempic’s effect on mood and behavior

Have you heard the term Ozempic personality? Will this drug give you a whole new personality, for better or worse? The prescribing information for Ozempic does not list any mood or personality changes as a side effect. Some personality-related effects,  like anxiety, irritability, or mood changes, could be a symptom of low blood sugar, which Ozempic may cause—especially when combined with insulin or certain diabetes medicines.

Ozempic’s prescribing information does not specifically mention depression or suicidal thoughts. The prescribing information for Rybelsus (a brand-name drug that also contains semaglutide) also does not. However, the prescribing information for Wegovy (another semaglutide product) does have a warning about avoiding use of the drug in people with a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. It also warns that people who use Wegovy should be closely monitored. Interestingly, Zepbound has this suicide warning while Mounjaro does not—and both contain the same active ingredient, tirzepatide.

Regardless, the FDA has reported that there has been no connection found between GLP-1s and suicidal thoughts or behaviors—but they are still researching the topic.

A new study published in 2024 looked at social media discussions to explore the effects of GLP-1s on mood and behavior. Many people reported positive effects, such as reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, increased energy, clearer thinking, and better control over compulsive behaviors like smoking and shopping. People noted an improved sense of control around food—not just eating less, but also feeling more in control. However, some individuals reported negative effects as well. The study researchers noted, however, that these reports do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, and more new research is needed.

Is there a connection between Ozempic and suicidal thoughts?

In January 2024, the FDA reported that it had not found evidence of Ozempic and other GLP-1s causing suicidal thoughts or actions. They came to this conclusion by reviewing cases of suicidal thoughts or actions reported to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System. From this, as well as reviews of clinical studies, the FDA found that there was not a clear relationship between GLP-1s and suicidal thoughts. However, the FDA noted that it cannot definitively rule out that there is a small risk and that it will continue to research the connection. 

If you or a family member or caregiver notice that you have any changes in mood or behavior, you should call your healthcare provider right away. For urgent situations, such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors, you should call 911 and go to the emergency room or call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Do GLP-1s give you brain fog?

Some people report experiencing “Ozempic brain fog.” But what is brain fog, and is it really caused by Ozempic? 

Brain fog is a term used to describe problems with thinking clearly, focusing, concentrating, remembering things, and paying attention. It may feel like you have a cloud (or fog) over your brain. 

Ozempic and other GLP-1s are not typically associated with brain fog. However, brain fog can occur from a number of causes. For example, Ozempic can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially when combined with insulin or certain diabetes medications. Low blood sugar can cause symptoms like confusion, which may make people think they are experiencing brain fog due to Ozempic. So, while Ozempic is not associated with causing brain fog directly, it may cause low blood sugar, which could contribute to brain fog. 

There are various other causes of brain fog as well, such as stress, lack of sleep, and certain other medical conditions. Any of these may contribute to brain fog. If you experience brain fog, consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. 

Does Ozempic protect against Alzheimer’s?

Some people ask about the connection between Ozempic and Alzheimer’s disease. While clinical trials are ongoing, a study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia in October 2024 found that people with Type 2 diabetes who used semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus) had a lower risk of a first-time diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, compared to people who used insulin, other GLP-1s, or other diabetes medicines. The researchers believe semaglutide may play a role in slowing or delaying the development of Alzheimer’s disease, but more research is needed to confirm this potential benefit. 

In the study’s discussion, the researchers note that their findings support previous research suggesting that semaglutide may protect the brain by decreasing inflammation and helping with cell function. Semaglutide may also lower Alzheimer’s risk by improving conditions like Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease and by helping with depression, smoking, and alcohol use—all of which can affect Alzheimer’s development.

Bottom line

Ozempic is a popularly prescribed weight loss drug with various potential benefits being discovered often. We know that it mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1, but many people also report that it helps quiet food noise—one of the biggest roadblocks for dieters. As research continues, we will likely learn even more about how Ozempic and other GLP-1s affect the body and brain.