While some may associate Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications with women trying to lose weight, it turns out that men are the ones gaining the most significant confidence boosts from it.
In a Kinsey Institute and DatingAdvice.com survey of GLP-1 users, men were three times more likely than women to say GLP-1s gave them more confidence. They also experienced more notable improvements in their dating lives and libidos.
Why It Matters
In recent years, the use of weight-loss medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists has surged.
Popular products include Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zephound and have been a game changer for many Americans who are obese or have type 2 diabetes.
For patients who successfully lose weight, there can be significant changes in their mental health as well as their personal dating lives, but this impact appears to be more pronounced among male users.
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What To Know
Across the entire survey sample, drugs like Ozempic were having major effects on users’ dating lives. While 59 percent of users said the drugs changed their dating experiences, men experienced a more notable impact on their confidence levels and sex lives, according to the report.
Men were three times more likely than women to say GLP-1s boosted their confidence and two times more likely to say they were going on more dates. They also reported higher libido, more matches and increased sexual activity.
Still, there were some negative implications for men, of which 60 percent said they feared being judged for using GLP-1s and worried they’d be seen as “less masculine” for doing so.
Of all GLP-1 users surveyed, 12 percent said they were going on more dates, and 14 percent said they were getting more matches on dating apps. Meanwhile, a whopping 52 percent reported changes in their sex lives.
What People Are Saying
Dr. Justin Lehmiller, the Kinsey Institute study lead, said in a statement: “I think there’s a very nuanced story to tell here. How these drugs impact your sex life will depend on a variety of factors, including drug dosage and drug type, speed of weight loss, starting and ending weight, and how much you changed your health and fitness habits at the same time.”
“Sexually speaking, it appears that men are experiencing more positive and more negative impacts of GLP-1 medications.”
What Happens Next
The long-term implications of GLP-1 medication use are so far unclear.
A recent study discovered a new link between taking GLP-1 drugs and elevated risk of pancreatitis and kidney conditions, including kidney stones.
GLP-1 medications are also associated with a higher risk of digestive problems, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even stomach paralysis in rare cases.
