Millions of Americans are taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, and the drugs could be affecting their sex lives.
Research into the side effects of these drugs, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, is in its early days, but it is thought that obesity can negatively affect sexual health in people of all genders.
David B. Sarwer, director of the Center for Obesity Research and Education at Temple University, says there tends to be a relationship between the degree of obesity and the degree of dysfunction, or difficulty experiencing sexual activity.
Sleeping habits also have an effect, with weightier people more likely to have sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, preventing them from achieving deep, restful sleep.
Some people taking GLP-1s have reported a drop in libido since starting the medication, while others have reported more frequent urges.
