Evaluation of Anhedonia and Emotional Eating in Individuals Using GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Longitudinal Evaluation of Anhedonia and Emotional Eating Behavior in Individuals Using Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists

This prospective observational study evaluates the longitudinal changes in anhedonia levels and emotional eating behaviors among adult individuals initiating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist therapy for weight loss. Participants are assessed at baseline (treatment initiation) and after a 6-month follow-up period using standardized psychometric instruments.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are widely used in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes by promoting satiety, delaying gastric emptying, and reducing appetite. Beyond peripheral metabolic regulation, GLP-1 receptors located in central reward circuitry suggest potential modulation of psychobiological processes, including reward processing, emotional eating, and anhedonia. However, longitudinal clinical data investigating the trajectory of anhedonia and emotional eating in patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists remain limited. This prospective, single-center observational cohort study is conducted at the Endocrinology and Metabolism Outpatient Clinic of Erciyes University. A total of 60 adult participants newly initiating GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy for weight management are enrolled.

1. Data collection is performed in two main phases:Baseline Assessment: Demographic characteristics, baseline anhedonia levels via the Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS), and emotional eating patterns via the Emotional Eating Scale (EES / DYÖ) are collected prior to or at the start of therapy.
2. 6-Month Follow-up Assessment: Participants are re-evaluated using the DARS and EES instruments. In addition, treatment adherence, current dosage, adverse events, and changes in appetite are documented.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 years or older
• Newly initiated on GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment for weight reduction
• Willingness to participate in evaluations at baseline and at the 6-month follow-up
• Ability to read and understand Turkish and possess the cognitive capacity to answer questionnaire items
• Voluntary provision of written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for indications other than weight loss
• Cognitive, neurological, or severe psychiatric conditions preventing completion of self-report questionnaires
• Substantial missing, inconsistent, or unverifiable questionnaire data compromising analysis integrity
• Non-participation or dropout at the 6-month follow-up evaluation