Ozempic has reportedly been ruining marriages, causing a lack of desire, drive, and passion for life, according to a Telegraph report. As the weight-loss drug becomes more popular, couples report that the injection is transforming not only their bodies but also their marriages, for the worse.
Ozempic has been attributed to low libidos, sudden personality shifts, and newfound confidence that prompts people to walk away from long-term partners, according to a Swedish research study. The phenomenon is being hailed as a so-called “Ozempic divorce.”
Patients who underwent bariatric rapid weight loss surgery found that they were approximately twice as likely to divorce as the general population, and now similar dynamics are being reported with GLP-1 receptors, according to Swedish research professor Per-Arne Svensson.
“Very similar mechanisms could occur with Ozempic as with surgery, with regards to changes in relationships,” said Svensson, who teaches at the University of Gothenburg. “People who embark on the weight-loss journey usually have a lot of other life changes as well. That means they are probably becoming more social and trying to live a healthier life. If the partner is not really on the train there, and if they don’t follow this person along in this change, that might be something that causes tension.”
Several couples reported a variety of impacts that Ozempic has had on their marriages.
Fiona, 39, said her husband Luke lost his “spark” after he started taking Ozempic six months ago. She supported him at first but then noticed a drastic personality shift. According to Fiona, Luke no longer shows interest in the things the couple once bonded over, like good food and bottles of wine. “It’s like the sparkle has gone out of his eyes,” she said. “I really miss my funny, teddy bear of a husband, even if he was a bit overweight.”
Emily, 35, said she has lost sexual attraction to her husband after taking Wegovy, which she began six months ago. The couple, who married a few years ago and both gained weight together, had stopped having sexual intercourse. “For a long time, I told myself it didn’t matter because we were good companions,” she said. “Once my perspective changed, I realized that wasn’t true.” After a young male colleague hit on her at work, Emily said that moment made her feel visible and she is now pursuing divorce.
Experts have emphasized that not every relationship suffers. Some couples report improved intimacy and shared healthier habits.
