Reduced Enjoyment of Food
Users on Reddit report a variety of experiences regarding the enjoyment of food while on GLP-1 medications, with many noting a significant reduction in pleasure, cravings, and overall interest in food. Some see this as a positive change, helping them control overeating, while others miss the enjoyment they previously had.
Experiences with Reduced Enjoyment of Food:
Altered Taste and Cravings: Some users find that foods taste different or that cravings for certain items are significantly reduced or changed. A user mentioned, "Since I didn't eat a lot before, I lost complete interes in food, chocolate or vanilla things with a lot of sugar that used to be appealing no longer were. "[16] Another noted, "I can no longer eat Tuna Fish, which was high on my list of good foods and I can no longer eat Italian sausage (and I'm Italian). "[14] Conversely, one user experienced an increase in cravings for sweets: "I have the food tasting better problem too, it's incredibly strange. I never eat sweets but after being on the treatment, I suddenly would crave candy, ice cream, and other sweets I don't normally touch. "[6] Another said, "It makes sweets sweeter. But bitter stuff is more bitter. "[18]
Reduced Interest in Coffee and Alcohol: Several users reported a decreased desire for coffee and alcohol. One user who enjoys coffee said, "since I started, all of my cups have been \"okay whatever\". "[5] and "I often don't finish a cup after I make it. "[5] Another commented, "my coffee consumption went way down this last month... i don’t think i’m enjoying it less, but i have a hard time drinking that much liquid. "[29] Someone else stated, "I legit can't stand it, and even tea at this stage... it all tastes like dish water... I used to have 6 coffees a day and now I can barely drink 1 tea. "[8] Regarding alcohol, one user mentioned, "My desire to drink was greatly reduced which was really nice too. "[11] Another said, "Beyond that, my desire to indulge in alcohol or edibles is way way down. "[9]
"Food Noise" Silenced: A common theme is the reduction or elimination of "food noise" – the constant thoughts and cravings about food. "The GLP-1 was great at stopping the food noise and increasing my satiety. "[11] Another user shared, "It really silences the hunger demon . Other than being sick I had never experienced it being quiet . "[22] and "I just don’t think about food as much now , for me it also doesn’t make me want to overeat after a certain point everything just goes nope I am done. "[22] One user described it as, "The immediate psychological effect is that all of my cravings for food are gone. I could go without food for an entire day and mentally not even realize it. "[17]
Shift in Food Preferences: Some users notice a shift towards healthier foods or an aversion to previously enjoyed unhealthy foods. "I crave leafy greens way more. Before, a salad would feel like a chore. Just last week, my family ordered pizza and I got the salad because that legit sounded better. "[20]
Eating Becomes a Chore: For some, eating becomes less about pleasure and more about necessity. "After adding exercises to gain muscle I'm more or less eating like a regular person (without exercise my body requiere less food) but the food is mostly uninteresting, sometimes eating feels like a waste of time. "[16]
Variable Experiences: It's important to note that not everyone loses enjoyment in food. One user stated, "I still enjoy food and I’ve been on GLP-1s for over a year. They seem to affect everyone quite differently. "[12] Another said, "I'm on tirzepatide and have the opposite experience. I enjoy food just as much, specially junky food - love to much on pizza and burgers. But I just don't get the hunger cues and, if I'm busy, I'll forget to eat at all. But when the actual food hits my mouth - the feeling of enjoyment is the same. "[21]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
The discussions primarily focus on the experience of reduced enjoyment rather than specific remedies to bring the enjoyment back. However, some users offer coping strategies or observations:
Experiences with Reduced Enjoyment of Food:
- Loss of Food-Related Pleasure: Many users describe a diminished enjoyment of food.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
The discussions primarily focus on the experience of reduced enjoyment rather than specific remedies to bring the enjoyment back. However, some users offer coping strategies or observations:
- Acceptance and Reframing: Some users accept the change as part of the medication's effect, especially if it helps with weight loss or managing conditions like diabetes.