Research carried out by a Sussex NHS psychologist has explored the emerging relationship between weight-loss injections and eating disorders.
Poppy Barrett, a Senior Assistant Psychologist with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, carried out the scoping review alongside colleagues through the Sussex Partnership Institute for Research and Development.
The work, published in the Journal of Eating Disorders, examined existing evidence around GLP-1 receptor agonists, a group of medicines increasingly used to support weight loss and manage obesity.
Researchers looked at how the medicines may affect people with eating disorders or disordered eating, including their impact on symptoms, eating behaviour, weight concerns and body image.
The review found some evidence suggesting GLP-1 medicines could have potential benefits for people experiencing binge-eating symptoms.
However, researchers also identified significant gaps in the evidence, particularly around people with eating disorders other than binge eating disorder.
The authors say there is currently very limited research available to guide clinical practice and that more work is needed to understand both the potential benefits and risks of the medicines.
Poppy Barrett, who works in the Sussex Eating Disorders Service, said: “I’m really grateful to everyone who supported me with this work and helped me along the way. I hope that, as research in this area continues to develop, clinicians and patients can get the support, guidance and information they need to navigate GLP-1 receptor agonists safely and appropriately.”
Sussex Partnership says the study highlights the importance of building the evidence base around emerging treatments and their potential impact on people using mental health services.
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