The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Some Ozempic users say it silences 'food noise'. But there are drug-free ways to stop thinking about food so much

  • Written by Vivienne Lewis, Assistant professor – Psychology, University of Canberra
Some Ozempic users say it silences 'food noise'. But there are drug-free ways to stop thinking about food so much

Food noise[1]” or thinking about food constantly is not helpful to anyone’s mental health and wellbeing.

When we become obsessed with any one line of thought (in this case, food), we can become consumed by it and it’s very hard to think about anything else. This can be very distressing.

Some people taking the diabetes drug Ozempic for weight loss have reported[2] a sudden silencing of food noise and cravings. But there are other ways to maintain a healthy balance when it comes to our internal food monologue.

One track thinking

Thinking about food constantly is a common feature of an eating disorder. Indeed one of the main criteria[3] for diagnosis of eating disorders is a preoccupation with the weight, shape and size of one’s body. A person may use control, or lack of control, of food to bring their body in line with how they perceive it should look.

A person with anorexia nervosa severely restricts their food intake to the point where their body is starving. As a result of this deprivation, their brain constantly thinks[4] about food.

People with binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa are also consumed by thoughts of food including[5] when they’ll eat, what they’ll eat, obtaining food and where they’ll eat it.

But it’s not just[6] those with eating disorders who can be obsessed with food. If we are dieting, undereating, restricting our intake of food or overeating, we can be consumed by thoughts about food.

An easy fix?

As a clinical psychologist, I have treated many clients and helped people with eating disorders who can not stop thinking about food. They have often tried medications and drugs to try and stop ruminating[7] over food, usually to no avail[8].

Or they are prescribed medications to reduce appetite, in the case of binge eating and obesity. These might work and help the person lose large amounts of weight, only for them to put it all back on again[9] when they stop taking the drug.

Weight loss drugs should only be used under medical supervision[10] and some diet pills can affect[11] the heart, breathing, blood pressure and brain.

Ozempic (and similar drug Wegovy) use the ingredient semaglutide drug to induce feelings[12] of being full or satisfied. Side effects of semaglutide can include[13] nausea, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea.

So, it’s important to work on developing a healthy relationship with food and your body. Often a combination of psychological therapy and seeing an accredited dietitian is needed.

Read more: Ozempic helps weight loss by making you feel full. But certain foods can do the same thing – without the side-effects[14]

Working out what’s driving it

With clients, I start by working on what’s driving the food obsession. Is it due to eating too little? Not eating regularly enough? Having strict rules and what you can and can’t eat?

It’s important to establish regular and adequate eating so your body and brain are well-fuelled and you can make sensible decisions around the food you consume.

Our biology ensures that when we are hungry we will think about obtaining food[15] for survival. It can make us anxious or “hangry[16]” and it can be hard to concentrate or focus on anything else but food. Then when we eat, our brain stops sending messages to eat and we can focus again.

woman bites bread with topping
Eating well and regularly can help us develop a healthier relationship with food. Shutterstock[17]

The RAVES model[18] of eating is used for people with eating disorders to help them be in tune with their body, respond to its needs and establish healthy behaviours. It’s about helping a person understand where their food rules have come from, debunk myths around eating and dieting, and challenge unhelpful ways of thinking about food.

Many people with and without eating disorders have food rules[19] around what they can and can’t eat, when and how much and this just sets us up to be obsessed with food. Once you allow yourself to eat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re full and have the foods you enjoy, you free your brain to think about things other than food and eating.

Read more: When I work with people with eating disorders, I see many rules around 'good' and 'bad' foods – but eating is never that simple[20]

A healthy food mindset

A person who has a healthy relationship with food listens to their body’s needs. They don’t have food rules around what they can and can’t eat and they feel comfortable in their body.

They can reject media and advertising around dieting and idealised bodies and they are respectful of their body. When I work with clients we work on listening to your body, respecting its needs and treating it well. This is called having a positive body image[21] and is an important part of treatment for people with body image and eating issues.

It is often a person’s perception of their body that influences their eating. Learning to accept your physical self as well as treating the body well, with good nutrition, builds a positive body image[22].

If you are concerned about your relationship with food or your body, seeing your GP for a referral to a psychologist or dietitian is advised. The Butterfly Foundation[23] is also a great source of support for information on eating disorders.

References

  1. ^ Food noise (www.nytimes.com)
  2. ^ reported (www.nytimes.com)
  3. ^ criteria (butterfly.org.au)
  4. ^ constantly thinks (doi.org)
  5. ^ including (doi.org)
  6. ^ not just (eating-disorders.org.uk)
  7. ^ ruminating (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  8. ^ usually to no avail (doi.org)
  9. ^ back on again (www.healthline.com)
  10. ^ medical supervision (www.mayoclinic.org)
  11. ^ can affect (www.niddk.nih.gov)
  12. ^ induce feelings (theconversation.com)
  13. ^ can include (www.tga.gov.au)
  14. ^ Ozempic helps weight loss by making you feel full. But certain foods can do the same thing – without the side-effects (theconversation.com)
  15. ^ think about obtaining food (theconversation.com)
  16. ^ hangry (theconversation.com)
  17. ^ Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  18. ^ RAVES model (ceed.org.au)
  19. ^ food rules (theconversation.com)
  20. ^ When I work with people with eating disorders, I see many rules around 'good' and 'bad' foods – but eating is never that simple (theconversation.com)
  21. ^ positive body image (www.australianacademicpress.com.au)
  22. ^ positive body image (www.nationaleatingdisorders.org)
  23. ^ The Butterfly Foundation (butterfly.org.au)

Read more https://theconversation.com/some-ozempic-users-say-it-silences-food-noise-but-there-are-drug-free-ways-to-stop-thinking-about-food-so-much-208467

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...