Date of Award
Spring 2026
Language
English
Embargo Period
4-23-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
College/School/Department
Department of Psychology
Program
Clinical Psychology
First Advisor
Drew Anderson
Committee Members
James Boswell, Julia Hormes
Keywords
GLP-1, eating disorders, motivation, mental health
Subject Categories
Clinical Psychology
Abstract
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications have become popular tools due to their effectiveness regarding weight loss and chronic disease management. The drastic increase in demand for these medications has led to widespread availability and an increase in “off-label” use for cosmetic purposes. Although GLP-1 RA medications have the potential to positively impact overall health and wellbeing, there is also concern regarding potential misuse of these medications by those with a history of eating disorder behaviors. However, few studies to date have examined the relationship between a history of eating disorder pathology, reason for GLP-1 RA use, and current eating disorder pathology. The current studies aimed to examine the impact of both motivation for use and eating disorder history on current eating disorder pathology in a sample of GLP-1 RA medication users. These studies also aimed to examine the impact of eating disorder pathology on potential interest in using a GLP-1 RA among a sample of undergraduate students. Participants completed questionnaires regarding GLP-1 RA medication use or potential interest, eating disorder pathology, and psychological wellbeing. Results supported the main hypotheses that eating disorder pathology would be greater among GLP-1 RA users with a history of eating disorder pathology and also for those more strongly motivated by physical appearance. Results also supported the hypothesis that those who endorsed interest in GLP-1 RA medications had higher levels of eating disorder pathology than those who were not interested. Overall, these studies highlight the importance of assessing for eating disorder pathology when prescribing a GLP-1 RA medication and the potential risk of utilizing a GLP-1 RA medication primarily to change one’s physical appearance.
License
This work is licensed under the University at Albany Standard Author Agreement.
Recommended Citation
Gauert, Kimberly M., "Weighing the Costs: Understanding How Eating Disorder History and Motivation For Use Impacts Experience on a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist and Interest in Future Use" (2026). Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present). 408.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/etd/408