Appetite, Alcohol, and Emotion: GLP-1s and the Brain’s Reward Circuit

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What happens when GLP-1 medications change more than just your appetite?

If you’re considering anti-obesity medications, it’s normal to wonder what else they might affect beyond hunger. In this episode, I respond to a thoughtful listener question: If food and alcohol have been your go-to coping tools, what happens when they no longer provide comfort?

We explore how GLP-1 medications can dampen the brain’s reward response—not just to food, but to other pleasures as well—and what that might mean for social drinking, emotional regulation, and mental health. I also unpack the rare but real risk of mood changes, why it’s so important to have fulfilling habits in place before starting, and how, for many people, these medications unlock a new level of physical freedom and possibility.

If you’re weighing your options or just want a clearer picture of what life on GLP-1s can look like, this episode offers a grounded, honest perspective—plus why having the right medical support really matters.

Audio Stamps

00:30 - Dr. Rentea shares her summer planning approach and introduces a fan mail question about GLP-1 medications affecting reward systems beyond food.

02:13 - A listener asks whether GLP-1 medications shut down reward responses only for food or for everything, and worries about losing coping mechanisms.

03:40 - Dr. Rentea addresses the concerning pattern of using food and alcohol as coping mechanisms for sleep and stress.

05:07 - The reality of how GLP-1 medications change your relationship with food and why many people lose interest in alcohol.

07:28 - The rare but real risk of depression and mental health changes on these medications, and why medical supervision is crucial.

09:27 - On the flip side, how life can become incredibly amazing when physical capabilities improve and new activities become possible.

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com

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