Psychology Today: 'Ozempic divorce' rise

Psychology Today published a May 15 column examining what it called “Ozempic divorce,” a term used to describe relationship strain that can follow major weight loss on GLP-1 drugs. Thomas Rutledge, a psychologist who writes the site’s “The Healthy Journey” column, said some users report renewed confidence, changed priorities and tension with spouses after treatment. The article did not cite national divorce data tied to the drugs. It framed the issue as a set of reported relationship changes rather than a measured trend. ### Who made the “Ozempic divorce” argument? Thomas Rutledge, identified by Psychology Today as a Ph.D. psychologist, wrote the article under the headline “What’s Behind the Rise in ‘Ozempic Divorce’?” The piece was posted May 15, 2026, reviewed by Devon Frye, and described the subject as “GLP-1-driven relationship changes.” Rutledge wrote that people who begin GLP-1 treatment often expect lower blood sugar, reduced cravings and weight loss, but may also experience what he described as an “invisible transformation” affecting confidence, priorities and close relationships. (psychologytoday.com) He said some users find that “the person their partner once knew is different,” and that the resulting tension can strain a marriage. ### What does the column say is changing inside relationships? Rutledge said GLP-1 medicines such as Ozempic and Zepbound act on biological, psychological and behavioral pathways at the same time. He wrote that the drugs can alter appetite, “food noise,” cravings, emotional eating and addiction-related behaviors, and argued that those combined effects can spill into intimate relationships. (psychologytoday.com) The article said there is not one single cause for the phenomenon and that relationship effects can vary by person and over time. Rutledge presented the issue as a byproduct of broader life changes during treatment, not as a universal outcome for patients taking the drugs. ### Is there evidence beyond one columnist’s anecdotal account? Psychology Today has published earlier pieces making a similar, narrower point about couples adjusting to GLP-1-driven weight loss. (psychologytoday.com) In a November 30, 2024 article, psychologist Gregory Matos wrote that “relationship adjustment challenges are common during significant lifestyle changes” and said couples can struggle when one partner changes eating habits, activity levels or appearance faster than the other. The American Psychological Association’s Monitor on Psychology also reported in July 2025 that psychologists were helping GLP-1 patients manage “body image, identity, and relationship changes.” That article said mental health effects of the drugs were mixed and cited a 2024 KFF poll finding that 12% of U.S. adults had used a GLP-1, with four in 10 of those users taking the drugs primarily to lose weight. (psychologytoday.com) ### What evidence is missing from the “Ozempic divorce” claim? Psychology Today’s May 15 column did not provide national statistics showing that divorce filings have risen because of GLP-1 use. The piece relied on Rutledge’s account of reported relationship changes and on his explanation of possible mechanisms linking weight loss, behavior change and marital strain. (apa.org) The absence of population-level divorce data means the article documents a discussion point in therapy and psychology commentary, not a verified nationwide divorce trend. That distinction is supported by the article’s own framing and by the lack of cited statistical evidence in the piece. ### What are clinicians telling couples to do? Gregory Matos wrote in 2024 that couples should discuss goals, worries, budgets and household responsibilities before or during GLP-1 treatment rather than “passively” absorb the changes. (psychologytoday.com) He said mismatches in activity, eating patterns and expectations can create distance if they are not addressed directly. The APA reported in 2025 that some psychologists were already working with patients on the identity and relationship effects of rapid weight loss. That suggests the next phase of this discussion is likely to play out in therapy offices and health reporting rather than in formal divorce statistics, unless future studies track the issue directly. May 2026 is the current marker for the debate: Rutledge’s column is live on Psychology Today, and related GLP-1-and-relationships pieces remain available on Psychology Today and the APA’s website for readers seeking the underlying reporting and commentary. (psychologytoday.com 1) (psychologytoday.com 2) (apa.org)