Throughout her life, Alyssa Fraser found joy in the kitchen. A former food journalist from Minnesota, Fraser cherished the process of creating her go-to dishes, like chicken and vegetables or various pasta dishes. However, her passion for cooking waned drastically after she began taking Wegovy, a widely-used weight-loss drug. Suddenly, Fraser found herself disenchanted with food, particularly repelled by certain flavors that now reminded her too strongly of the farm animals they originated from. Even her preferred wine, typically noted for its crisp, citrusy flavor, started tasting oddly vegetal.
Fraser is not alone in her experience. Many people taking Wegovy, which is the brand name for the generic drug semaglutide, report similar shifts in taste and food preference. This phenomenon is also noted among users of Ozempic and Zepbound, other medications in the group known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Originally developed to help manage type 2 diabetes by promoting insulin release, these drugs also aid weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness. However, beyond just feeling full, some users notice a distinct change in their food cravings—finding certain meats unappetizing, greasy foods too rich, and savory snacks less enticing. Discussions in online groups and surveys indicate a broader trend: some individuals on GLP-1 medications report a diminished overall interest in eating, shifting their view of food from pleasure to mere necessity. Insights from grocery sales data suggest a decrease in purchases of high-calorie and processed foods among this group.
While there is some initial evidence linking these altered food preferences to weight loss, the extent of this impact compared to the drugs’ effect on satiety remains unclear. Most of the research to date has relied on animal studies or small human trials. However, experts are beginning to piece together how widespread these changes might be and what could be causing them.
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A study featured in the journal *Food Quality and Preference* revealed that individuals on GLP-1 medications often consume fewer processed foods, refined grains, and beef. They also tend to reduce their intake of sugary beverages while increasing their consumption of fruits, vegetables, and water, averaging about 700 fewer calories per day. However, these findings are based on self-reported data, which can be unreliable, according to Brandon McFadden, a food policy economics professor at the University of Arkansas and study co-author.
Despite eating less calorie-dense food, many people do not lose their taste for these items entirely. According to John Blundell, an emeritus professor of psychobiology at the University of Leeds, liking a food and wanting it are distinct—individuals may not enjoy the taste as much but still feel a strong desire to eat it. GLP-1 drugs appear to invert this relationship: users may still like certain foods but feel less compelled to eat them right away.
These medications mimic GLP-1, a hormone naturally secreted by the gut in response to food, which also interacts with brain regions involved in appetite and reward. This interaction is believed to be a key mechanism by which GLP-1 drugs reduce appetite and potentially alter food preferences. Blundell notes that fullness might shift preferences away from protein-rich or fatty foods toward lighter options like desserts—a tendency that could be amplified by the satiating effect of GLP-1 drugs.
In research led by Blundell, findings indicated that people taking semaglutide not only ate less overall but also preferred and consumed less high-fat and savory food. Additionally, he discovered that fullness reduced similar cravings in studies dating back to 2007. However, changes in the body’s taste mechanisms might also contribute to these shifts. Some individuals report stronger or more unpleasant flavors while on these medications, though experiences vary widely. For instance, a writer in Los Angeles noted that while fatty foods still appealed to her, her favorite panang curry became intolerably bitter.
At the time of reporting, the manufacturers of these drugs had not provided comments on these observations. However, a representative from Eli Lilly, maker of Zepbound, stated that no specific data on changes in taste preferences were available and advised patients experiencing side effects to consult their healthcare providers.
Research has detected GLP-1 receptors in human taste buds, which could explain the taste alterations, though results are mixed. Some studies suggest that individuals with higher body weights may have a dulled flavor perception, possibly leading them to eat more in search of satisfying tastes. A small study presented at the Endocrine Society’s upcoming annual meeting found that women on semaglutide were more sensitive to taste, showing increased brain activity in areas related to sensory rewards when tasting sweet flavors, suggesting that the drug might enhance taste perception and make certain foods less appealing.
However, another study published in *Physiology & Behavior* found that people on these medications had a decreased sensitivity to all five basic tastes, contrary to expectations. Past research in mice linked GLP-1 activation to altered sweet taste perception, but the broader impact on human taste was unexpected, according to Richard Doty, director of the Smell and Taste Center at the University of Pennsylvania and co-author of the study. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of GLP-1 receptors in these changes.
For some, the modifications in appetite and taste are beneficial, simplifying their efforts to eat less. However, for others like Fraser, these changes complicate their relationship with food. “Not only am I not cooking or really taking an interest in food—if I want it, it’s sweets,” Fraser explains. “And even then, if it’s super sweet, I’ll take a bite or two, and I’m like, I gotta put it down.” Savory foods, once her staples, now hold no appeal. Despite these challenges, Fraser acknowledges the benefits to her health and appreciates the reduced mental burden of managing her weight. “And that is worth it to me,” she concludes.
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Cameron Aldridge combines a scientific mind with a knack for storytelling. Passionate about discoveries and breakthroughs, Cameron unravels complex scientific advancements in a way that’s both informative and entertaining.