GLP‑1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are miracle workers for weight loss and blood sugar balance. But what about the cravings of a more… romantic nature? Some patients report a dip in libido and desire to spend more time with their dog rather then romance.  Others notice an increase in libido. Here’s what the science says about how gut hormones meet bedroom hormones.

1. Gut Feelings Meet Brain Chemistry

GLP‑1s act not just on the gut but also the brain. They modulate dopamine and serotonin – two key players in reward and pleasure. Reduced dopamine may mean fewer cravings for chocolate… and perhaps less interest in intimacy. (Sescousse G et al., Physiology & Behavior, 2024).

2. Hormones in the Crossfire

GLP‑1 receptor agonists can also influence sex hormones. Men with low testosterone or women navigating menopause may feel their sex drive take a brief nap. For others, hormonal balance restored by weight loss can reignite libido. Clinical trials such as the Dulaglutide study (Lengsfeld S et al., EBioMedicine, 2024) showed no negative effects on reproductive hormones in healthy men.

3. Mood, Confidence, and the Comeback

Weight loss improves self‑esteem, sleep, and energy – all crucial for a healthy libido. Confidence, after all, is one of the most underrated aphrodisiacs.

4. When the Spark Fades

If libido feels like it’s buffering, speak to your clinician. Adjusting your dose, managing nausea or fatigue, and assessing hormone levels can all help. Most libido‑related side effects reverse when treatment is altered. (Able C et al., Int J Impot Res, 2025).

Bottom line: GLP‑1s can affect libido via brain and hormone pathways, but the impact varies. For some, desire dips; for others, confidence and mood reignite passion. In our nutritional wellness clinic, we see a 50/50 split in how these drugs affect libido. Either way, knowledge and communication are the best medicine. 

References

1) Able C, Liao B, Saffati G, et al. Prescribing semaglutide for weight loss in non‑diabetic, obese patients is associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction: a TriNetX database study. Int J Impot Res. 2025;37:315–319. doi:10.1038/s41443-024-00895-6

2) Lengsfeld S, Probst L, Emara Y, et al. Effects of the GLP‑1 receptor agonist dulaglutide on sexuality in healthy men: a randomised, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled crossover study. EBioMedicine. 2024;107:105284.

3) Sescousse G, et al. Glucagon‑like peptide‑1 agonist and effects on reward behaviour: a systematic review. Physiology & Behavior. 2024;262:114154.