What Is ‘Ozempic Personality’? A Nutritionist and Psychologist Weigh In

Ozempic burbs. Ozempic face. Ozempic butt. Ozempic for kids. Everywhere you turn, Ozempic and its related semaglutide drugs, from Wegovy to Mounjaro, are there promising easy weight loss. And as the discussion around buzz grows, so do the questions about how semaglutides can affect hair loss, menopause and fertility. One of the latest terms floating around the Internet: “Ozempic personality.” Last year, the New York Post ran a spicy headline: “Ozempic use appears to be changing people’s personalities —experts think they know why”—but a year on, is it really true? Does Ozempic really cause personality changes? I consulted a dietician and a psychologist to find out about this so-called “Ozempic personality.”

• Lisa Young, Ph.D., RDN, is an adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University and internationally renowned nutrition expert. Dr. Young is the author of Finally Full, Finally Slim  and The Portion Teller Plan. She has appeared in outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, Vogue, Wall Street Journal and CBS News.
• Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a New York City-based neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, a psychological practice that treats learning disorders, anxiety, depression and other psychopathological disorders. Dr. Hafeez obtained her Doctor of Psychology at Hofstra University and completed her post-doctoral training in neuropsychology and developmental pediatrics at Coney Island Hospital.

“Ozempic personality” refers more to a slew of symptoms form taking the drug, including irritability, depression, anxiety, feeling emotionally flat or having low energy. This has often led to the faulty conclusion that Ozempic and related medications can fundamentally alter who you are. And the answer to that isn’t a simple yes or no, but rather a big shout from the experts: There’s not enough data.

“…there are limited and variable data on the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on mood,” write the authors of a June 2024 study. “GLP-1 has been found to influence brain regions involved in regulating emotions. An experimental study in rodents showed that GLP-1 agonists induced anxiety immediately after the commencement of treatment. This anxiety subsided with chronic treatment and was replaced by positive effects on mood, manifested by reduced depression-like behavior.” In the abstract, the team underscores that the inconsistency of data makes it difficult to draw a conclusion.

While there’s no official evidence that Ozempic changes personalities, people can still experience mood shifts and other mental disorders. PureWow Wellness Director Sarah Stiefvater reported on what happens to your brain when you start Ozempic, particularly noting that there’s often a serotonin boost involved. While the experts she spoke with, including Dr. Hafeez, also cited inconclusive evidence, they agreed that side effects of taking the medication can impact how you feel psychologically. Symptoms like gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) and hormonal imbalances can be, at best, frustrating, and at worst, destabilizing.

“These symptoms can be physically draining and lead to emotional distress, as feeling constantly unwell can contribute to anxiety,” Dr. Hafeez says. “The discomfort from GI issues might make it hard for individuals to maintain normal daily activities, affecting their mood and increasing irritability.” When everyday tasks are suddenly insurmountable because of volatile health, she says, it’s normal that things feel exponentially overwhelming, culminating in emotional fatigue and mental exhaustion.

The big thing to remember is that semaglutides suppress your appetite. I recall reading stories about how people reported feeling full after eating just a stack of chips. Though you may not feel hungry, good nutrition is key. (So, sorry, that stack of chips isn’t going to cut it.)

According to Dr. Young, the brain is one of the body’s most energy-demanding organs, requiring about 20 percent of the body’s energy at rest. The brain is fueled primarily by glucose, and drastically cutting your calories means there is now less glucose available. “This can cause symptoms like brain fog, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue,” she notes.

Typically, semaglutides will lead to a slow reduction in food intake, allowing the body to adapt gradually without experiencing extreme symptoms. If, however, you do suddenly reduce your food intake, this can cause the body to enter starvation-like states such as the previously mentioned brain fog, mood swings and excessive fatigue.

Additionally, Dr. Young says, “Rapid weight loss or severe calorie restriction can disrupt the balance of hormones like serotonin and dopamine, leading to mood changes.” Stress, dehydration and nutritional imbalances can also exacerbate symptoms. 

When it comes to nutrition, Dr. Young advises incorporating complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, healthy fats and hydrating foods into your diet. Complex carbs like whole grains, fruit and vegetables are a steady glucose supply, while proteins aid in preventing the loss of lean body mass. Healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil can promote brain health, and hydrating foods like cucumbers and watermelon can help prevent dehydration. (But don’t forget to drink actual water, too.)

For mental health, Dr. Hafeez recommends three things in addition to proper diet: staying active, surrounding yourself with a good community and trying relaxation techniques.

“Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to improve mood. Even if you're feeling tired or physically uncomfortable due to side effects, gentle activities like walking, stretching or yoga can provide significant relief,” she says. If you want to try some relaxation strategies, Dr. Hafeez notes that essential oils work well, both in a diffuser or in bath water—try scents like lavender, chamomile or sandalwood, which she tells me have been shown to reduce stress. And, of course, never be afraid to phone a friend—especially someone who may also be going through the thick of it. Above all, both Dr. Hafeez and Dr. Young stress the importance of consulting your medical provider about your specific symptoms.