"Meat Tastes Strange"... Does Wegovy for Weight Loss Also Change Your Sense of Taste?

American Food Journalist Shares Experience
Effects of GLP-1 Class Medications

There is growing interest in the claim by a food journalist that her sense of taste diminished after receiving obesity treatments such as Wegovy and Ozempic. She reported developing an aversion to flavors she previously enjoyed and losing overall interest in food.

The American popular science magazine Scientific American recently published food journalist Alyssa Frazee's account of her experience after being prescribed Wegovy. Frazee, who had always been passionate about food, said that she lost her appetite after receiving Wegovy for weight management.

Chicken dish. Not related to any specific expression in the article. Pixabay

Frazee's favorite foods are dishes made with chicken and vegetables, as well as pasta. However, it was reported that after starting Wegovy, she developed an aversion to the flavors she used to enjoy. Furthermore, her overall interest in food declined. Frazee stated, "Most salty foods have lost their appeal, and even the protein in meat now tastes strange," adding, "Even citrus aromas or wine scents, which I used to find refreshing, now seem odd to me."

Frazee is not the only one to experience reduced appetite or changes in taste after taking obesity medications. According to the publication, a survey conducted on an online forum also found that many respondents reported losing interest in food after being prescribed obesity treatments.

Obesity medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic are GLP-1 agonists. The active ingredients in these drugs mimic hormones that regulate hunger and satiety, causing the brain to feel full more quickly than usual. The publication explained, "Overall, many people report losing interest in food after being prescribed obesity medications," and added, "Retail data also shows a decrease in spending on high-calorie processed foods in particular."

According to a study published in the international journal Food Quality and Preference, people prescribed GLP-1 agonist obesity medications showed a significant reduction in consumption of processed foods and carbonated drinks, and their average daily calorie intake decreased by 700 kilocalories (kcal) compared to before.

Regarding these changes, Frazee said, "After being prescribed obesity medication, I stopped cooking, and I hesitate to eat very sweet foods after just a bite or two." She added, "It's sad to lose my hobby of eating, but the stress of weight loss has definitely decreased."