Ozempic Users Experience Unexpected Cravings for Specific Smells: What You Need to Know
Gourmand fragrances surge as GLP-1 weight-loss drug users report newfound cravings for sweet scents.
In addition to their well-documented impact on weight management and blood sugar control, Ozempic and similar GLP-1 medications are drawing attention for a surprising side effect: alterations in the sense of smell. While the primary adverse effects of these drugs typically include nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms, some users are taking to online platforms to share another phenomenon—what they call "Ozempic smell."
A growing number of patients have reported that after starting medications such as semaglutide, they developed unexpected cravings for sweet or sugary scents, including gourmand perfumes reminiscent of cake batter or caramel. One user detailed their experience on social media, stating, "I started semaglutide in April last year and have lost 80lbs and gained a newfound appreciation for fragrances." Another commented on the sudden onset of their obsession with scents directly following their first injections.
GLP-1 receptor agonists, which were initially developed for diabetes treatment but soon emerged as a popular weight-loss solution, work by mimicking the body's natural GLP-1 hormone. This hormone not only helps regulate blood sugar and induces feelings of fullness, but also acts in brain regions responsible for taste and smell. This unique pathway may help explain why some patients are experiencing shifts in olfactory perception.
Health experts note that the digestive changes caused by these medications could contribute to altered sensory experiences. One clinical professor of medicine observed a rise in complaints about reflux and burping among his patients—a result of delayed gastric emptying known to be associated with GLP-1 drugs. He explained that, "This can lead to an acidic or sour taste, which could theoretically affect smell as well." Although he has not encountered widespread reports of changes in scent preferences among his own practice, he acknowledges the possibility in a subset of cases.
Coinciding with these anecdotal reports is the noted surge in the popularity of gourmand fragrances—perfumes with sweet, dessert-like notes. Market analysts predict that the gourmand fragrance sector will surpass $35 billion by next year, and internet searches for "caramel perfume" are expected to climb by more than 40% within the same period. While these trends may intersect, no scientific studies have conclusively established a link between GLP-1 medications and increasing cravings for sugary scents and perfumes.
For now, the so-called "Ozempic smell" appears limited to a relatively small proportion of the millions using these medications. Health professionals advise that further research is needed to understand precisely how and why GLP-1 receptor agonists might influence sensory perceptions such as taste and smell. Until then, patients are encouraged to report any unexpected side effects to their healthcare providers, and to stay informed as new research emerges in this rapidly evolving field.
