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

TC Erciyes University60 enrolled

Overview

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.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Obesity Emotional Eating Anhedonia

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

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

Locations (1)

Erciyes University Medical Faculty Hospitals, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism

Kayseri, Melikgazi, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS) Score

The DARS is a 17-item self-report questionnaire assessing state anhedonia across four domains (hobbies, food/drink, social activities, and sensory experiences). Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale from 0 ("Not at all") to 4 ("Extremely"), yielding a total score between 0 and 68. Lower scores indicate more severe anhedonia.

Time frame: Baseline and 6 months

Secondary Outcomes

Change in Emotional Eating Scale (EES) Score

The Turkish version of the Emotional Eating Scale (DYÖ) consists of 10 items assessing emotional eating across 3 subscales (inability to resist eating desire, food types, and feelings of guilt). Scored on a 4-point Likert scale from 0 ("Never") to 3 ("Always"), total scores range from 0 to 30. Higher scores reflect higher levels of emotional eating behavior.

Time frame: Baseline and 6 months

Central Contacts

Hasan Durmuş, MD, Assoc. Prof.

CONTACT

+90 544 370 6917 asandurmus@erciyes.edu.tr

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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