In recent years, the trend of using weight-loss injections like Wegovy has gained popularity, but concerns about side effects have also surfaced. One netizen shared on Threads that after receiving the injection, not only did their appetite disappear, but their libido also vanished, joking that they were “about to become a monk.”
Family physician Dr. Wen Ziyan explained that for a small number of users, reduced sexual desire can occur because the body prioritises energy for vital organs when calorie intake is too low. Once protein and healthy fats are reintroduced into the diet, most cases see a gradual recovery of libido.
Some users have reported that the injection seems to dampen overall motivation and pleasure, not just appetite, likening the sensation to entering a “sage mode.” Dr. Huang Yuyan, head of Haorizi Clinic, added that the drug can affect the brain’s ventral tegmental area (VTA), a region linked to reward and pleasure, meaning a drop in food cravings can coincide with a temporary decrease in sexual desire.
Doctors advise users to maintain sufficient nutrition, especially protein and healthy fats, to restore energy balance and allow sexual desire to return naturally.
Additionally, Dr. Huang cautioned that patients taking long-acting weight-loss injections such as Wegovy or Ozempic should inform their physician before undergoing surgery. Since these medications can slow gastric emptying, there is an increased risk of nausea, vomiting, or aspiration during and after anesthesia. It is generally recommended to pause the injection about a week prior to surgery for safety assessment.
This guidance highlights that while weight-loss injections can be effective for reducing appetite, maintaining proper nutrition and medical awareness is essential for overall health and recovery.
