How Ozempic Can Affect Your Relationship, According to a Therapist

Over the past year, we’ve learned about how Ozempic (and other GLP-1 medications) can impact you brain, your face, your sex drive and even your butt. But what about your relationship? What does significant weight loss in a short period of time do to you and your significant other? To learn about the effects of Ozempic on romantic relationships, I reached out to clinical psychologist Dr. Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD.

Dr. Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD, is a clinical psychologist, registered Dietitian and fitness expert. Tovar teaches clients how to use research-based techniques in behavioral psychology, nutritional science and exercise kinesiology to overcome complex challenges. She earned her doctorate in psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology and has two master’s degrees, including a Master of Science in Nutrition. She is also a BASI Certified Pilates Instructor, reflecting over 20 years of dedication to integrating physical fitness with mental and nutritional health.

Yes, andTovar tells me that it’s quite common for weight loss, in general, to impact romantic relationships. “Ozempic, like other medications that result in significant weight loss, can influence romantic relationships in various ways, both positively and negatively,” she says, adding that a major factor is the shift in body image and self-esteem. “When one partner experiences rapid weight loss, they might feel more confident and attract increased attention from others, potentially creating feelings of jealousy or insecurity in the relationship. On the flip side, this newfound confidence can also lead to a more fulfilling romantic connection if both partners navigate the changes together in a healthy way.”

Another factor can be how the weight loss journey affects each partner emotionally, per Tovar, who explains that the partner taking the medication may become deeply focused on their health goals, leading to a potential imbalance in shared priorities or activities. “If the weight loss stems from health concerns, the improved physical state might enhance intimacy and shared activities, but it could also create emotional or behavioral shifts that need open communication to address.”

Especially when only one person undergoes significant physical and emotional changes, weight loss can cause tension within a relationship. “Weight and body image are deeply intertwined with identity and how we relate to others,” Tovar tells me. “When one partner experiences a transformation, it can unintentionally highlight existing insecurities in the other partner or even in the dynamic between them.” She adds that these changes might also bring up issues of compatibility, especially if new lifestyle habits diverge from shared routines. On the flip side, however, the increased energy and confidence might foster deeper intimacy and connection, provided the couple adapts together.

Luckily, there are several proactive steps you can take to safeguard your relationship. Tovar recommends that couples:

• Celebrate together and treat the weight loss journey as a shared victory rather than an individual one.
• Set relationship goals, just as you would set personal health goals. These can include regular date nights, meaningful conversations or finding activities to strengthen your bond.
• Acknowledge each other’s feelings so each of you feels heard and valued. For the partner not taking Ozempic, expressing support and admiration for your partner can go a long way. For the partner taking Ozempic, show gratitude for your partner’s encouragement.
• Build emotional intimacy and strengthen your bond by sharing thoughts, fears, and hopes, fostering a deeper understanding of each other.
• Embrace change together, since change is inevitable in any relationship. Use this as an opportunity to grow as a couple rather than allowing it to create a divide.

If you are noticing strains on your relationship, Tovar says it’s critical to address the changes openly and compassionately. She recommends:

• Fostering Open Communication: “Both partners should have honest conversations about their feelings. For the partner not undergoing the change, it’s important to voice any insecurities or concerns without blame. For the partner on Ozempic, being mindful and understanding of the other’s feelings can help bridge the gap.”
• Revisiting Shared Goals and Activities: “Find ways to reconnect by engaging in activities you both enjoy. This could include trying new hobbies together, joining a cooking class or exercising as a team.”
• Seeking Professional Support: “If conflicts persist, a couples therapist or counselor can help you navigate these changes in a constructive way. As a psychologist, I’ve seen couples grow stronger after learning to adapt to new dynamics.”
• Maintaining Balance: “The partner taking Ozempic should strive to avoid hyper-focusing on weight loss at the expense of the relationship. Maintaining emotional connection is just as important as achieving personal health goals.”

As Tovar sums up, “Remember, every relationship evolves, and weight loss is just one of many changes couples can navigate successfully with empathy, communication and mutual respect.”