Please Pass The Salad: Why Wegovy and Zepbound Change Food Preferences
As a bariatric surgeon and medical weight loss specialist with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be for people to change their eating habits—even when they know what’s healthy. Yet, many patients taking GLP-1 medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) or Zepbound (tirzepatide) report something remarkable: they start to prefer salads and lean proteins over the processed, sugary foods they once loved.
What’s behind this shift? Is it just stronger willpower, or is something deeper happening in the brain?
The Science: Less Craving for Fatty and Sweet Foods
Recent research suggests that GLP-1 medications do more than help with weight loss—they actually alter the brain’s reward system. Normally, our food choices are guided by memories and emotions tied to eating. Think about your favorite dessert: you probably remember where you ate it, who you were with, and how good it tasted. These memories are stored deep in the brain’s reward pathways, making it hard to resist foods high in fat and sugar.
However, studies now show that people on GLP-1 medications experience less desire for these foods. The medications seem to dampen the rewarding feelings associated with eating sweets and fried foods. As a result, patients find themselves reaching for healthier options, not because they’re forcing themselves, but because those foods genuinely appeal more to them.
Why Does This Happen?
One explanation is that GLP-1 medications change how the brain processes food rewards. When you’re not getting the same “pleasure hit” from cake or chips, those foods lose their grip. This is a game-changer for people who have struggled for years with cravings and emotional eating.
For those of us who treat obesity, this discovery is exciting. It means that healthier eating can become more natural and less of a daily battle.
Will the Effect Last?
It’s important to note that this change in food preference is most noticeable during active weight loss. Once a person reaches their goal weight and the medication is stopped, old preferences can return—unless the person has also learned new habits and strategies along the way. That’s why ongoing education and support are so important.
Building Lasting Habits
GLP-1 medications can open the door to healthier eating, but lasting success comes from more than just medication. Here’s what helps:
Learning about nutrition and portion control
Practicing mindful eating
Building positive associations with healthy foods
Adjusting your environment to make healthy choices easier
Everyone’s journey is different, and willpower alone isn’t enough for most people. But with the right tools and support, lasting change is possible.
Bottom line: If you’re taking Wegovy or Zepbound, you may find yourself craving salad over sweets—and that’s not just your imagination. These medications help retrain your brain, making healthy choices feel more rewarding. Combine this with education and support, and you’re on the path to lasting weight loss success.
Stay Healthy Stay Strong
Dr. Leon Katz
Drkatzweightloss.com
This article is written for educational purposes. Please discuss your health related options with a healthcare professional.
