Impact on food noise after initiating semaglutide treatment: results from a US survey (INFORM)
Jesús Francisco ARZÚA MOYA and María ALCARAZ PÉREZ
Food noise refers to obsessive and intrusive thoughts about food and poses a significant challenge for individuals striving to manage their weight. This cognitive and emotional distraction can lead to overeating and hindering of a healthy lifestyle implementation, including weight management efforts. The effectiveness of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, in promoting weight reduction in obese patients is well established. However, studies evaluating its impact on food noise symptoms and their effects on mental health are lacking.This survey aimed to gain insights into the potential positive change in the impact of food noise and mental wellbeing before and after initiating semaglutide.A mobile survey was completed in May 2025 by 550 verified individuals, currently using semaglutide for weight management, residing in various locations throughout the United States. The survey consisted of 22 questions, including a previously validated Food Noise Questionnaire (FNQ) and a self-reported demographic and mental wellbeing survey. The 550 respondents provided answers to all questions.Mean age was 53 (SD 10.8); of 550 respondents, 473 (86%) were female, 432 (79%) Caucasian, 350 (64%) weighed ≥92 kg at semaglutide start, and 447 (81%) had used it ≥4 months. Food-noise questionnaire (FNQ) scores fell substantially from before to during treatment: constant thoughts about food −46% (95% CI 41–51), uncontrollable thoughts −37% (33–42), time spent thinking −48% (44–52), negative impact −40% (35–44), and distraction from daily activities −32% (28–37). Also, 352 (64%) reported better mental health, 417 (76%) greater self-confidence, and 438 (80%) healthier habits.Overall, most respondents, 457 individuals (83%), expressed satisfaction with their semaglutide treatment.The present findings indicate semaglutide may not only facilitate weight management but also alleviate cognitive distractions related to food and enhance the mental well-being of individuals living with obesity. Further research is warranted to confirm these results.
