Brain Powered Weight Loss - With Eliza Kingsford
EP 21: GLP-1s: The Hidden Side Effect No One Is Talking About
GLP-1s, Apathy & Anhedonia: The Hidden Side Effect No One Is Talking About Are you taking a GLP-1 medication and feeling emotionally flat, unmotivated, or disconnected from the things you used to enjoy? In this episode, Eliza explores an increasingly common—but rarely discussed, experience reported by many people using GLP-1 medications: apathy and anhedonia. While research on this topic is still emerging, Eliza breaks down the neuroscience behind why these medications may affect motivation and emotional wellbeing, how dopamine and reward circuitry play a role, and why addressing the nervous system is essential for lasting health. If you've been wondering why you're losing weight but don't necessarily feel happier, this episode offers an important perspective and hope. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The difference between apathy and anhedonia , and why that distinction matters. How GLP-1 medications influence dopamine and the brain's reward circuitry. Why some people experience emotional flatness, low motivation, or reduced enjoyment while taking these medications. The connection between stress, emotional eating, and why reducing food noise doesn't automatically resolve underlying emotional patterns. Why weight loss alone doesn't create lasting happiness or fulfillment. How nervous system regulation can help reduce emotional eating while improving resilience and emotional wellbeing. Practical ways to support both successful weight loss and emotional health while using GLP-1 medications. Listen If You're Curious About: Why you feel "meh" or emotionally flat on a GLP-1 medication. The science behind dopamine, motivation, and reward. Emotional eating beyond willpower and food cravings. The relationship between stress, the nervous system, and sustainable weight loss. How to feel healthier without sacrificing your emotional wellbeing. Episode Highlights: [00:00 – 02:20] Why Emotional Flatness on GLP-1s Deserves More Attention [02:20 – 05:00] Why Research Hasn't Caught Up Yet [05:00 – 08:45] The Limits of Traditional Medical Research & Why Personal Experience Matters [09:00 – 10:45] The Pattern Eliza Began Seeing in Her Clinical Practice [10:45 – 15:45] Apathy vs. Anhedonia: Understanding the Difference [15:45 – 18:00] Everyday Signs Your Reward Circuitry May Be Changing [18:00 – 21:30] Why Turning Down Food Noise Doesn't Eliminate Stress [21:30 – 24:40] Why Weight Loss Doesn't Automatically Create Happiness [24:40 – 28:15] The Nervous System Solution: Supporting Both Weight Loss & Emotional Health [28:15 – 31:15] Final Takeaways: Awareness, Validation & Hope About Your Host: Eliza Kingsford is a licensed psychotherapist, bestselling author, and nervous system expert who helps people quiet food noise and create healthier relationships with food, their bodies, and themselves. Through her science-backed approach combining neurobiology, psychology, and nervous system regulation, she helps people create sustainable behavior change without relying on shame or willpower. Free Resources for You: Ready to Finally Understand Why Change Feels So Hard? If you've ever blamed yourself for not sticking to a plan, this workshop will show you why the answer isn't more willpower. ️ Watch Eliza’s FREE Workshop: Master Your Weight Loss: Why It’s Not About Willpower You'll learn: ✅ How your nervous system controls lasting change ✅ Why diets keep failing you ✅ How to move from shame to clarity and self-compassion ✅ What creates sustainable transformation Links & Resources: Learn More: The Shift – Eliza’s signature program for nervous system-based behavior change Follow Eliza on Instagram: @elizakingsford ⭐ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that they are not broken—they simply need a different approach. You can find all of my resources, links and programs at elizakingsford.com
