Unforeseen Marital Implications of Weight Loss Drugs and the New Role Ozempic can Play in New Jersey Family Law Cases

Science seems to have encountered the magic bullet for weight loss. Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity, and other semiglutides are typically used by people with Type 2 diabetes to control glucose levels. Scientists have discovered that these medications can also be used for weight loss. They lower the blood sugar by producing a hormone (GLP-1) that increases the insulin the pancreas makes. The hormone controls the appetite, sending a message to the brain that the stomach is full. The use of semaglutides also slows digestion, decreasing hunger and resulting in significant weight loss. Believe it or not, dramatic weight loss isn’t always a positive change for married couples. Losing weight can shift the dynamics of a relationship physically, mentally, and emotionally. The side effects that accompany the use of semaglutide medications can range from mild to severe, hampering daily living and enjoyment of life in general. Its cost is another factor that could put a serious dent in the family finances, adding stress to the situation.

When couples consider getting divorced, it is rarely for one reason alone. Financial stress, a breakdown in communication, or emotional and physical changes can all contribute to a split. Sometimes, one spouse’s use of Ozempic and drugs like it can lead to other changes within the marriage and the family that ultimately spell the demise of the relationship. It is wise to consult with a New Jersey divorce attorney if you have any questions or are contemplating a marital split. Continue reading to explore the unforeseen implications of weight loss medications for marriages, and the emerging trend of Ozempic as a contributing factor to divorce in New Jersey.

Unanticipated Physical and Personal Consequences of Ozempic for Individuals in Relationships

Ozempic is a drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes and lower the risk of cardiovascular events in people with Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It has not been tested long-term as a weight loss medication. The FDA has not approved Ozempic for weight loss, so taking it for reasons other than diabetes is considered off-label use. Research involving subjects who used Ozempic exclusively for weight loss is ongoing. The most extended study was conducted over four years and lost 90% of its participants by the end of the project because the majority of those studied stopped taking the drug. However, another semaglutide drug called Wegovy has received FDA-approval for weight management in eligible populations.

Ozempic’s side effects vary in intensity from person to person but can have unforeseen impacts on a couple’s relationship. The most common physical side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, burping, flatulence, constipation, fatigue, dehydration, hypoglycemia, dizziness, and dry mouth. Thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, bowel blockages, muscle loss, diabetic retinopathy (damaged blood eye blood vessels), gallbladder issues, gastroparesis (paralyzation of the stomach), and blood clots that could cause deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism are less frequent but can be devastating to a person’s health.

The emotional and mental changes due to using Ozempic as a weight loss drug are positive and negative. Recently, studies have indicated that Ozempic can help people to quit drinking alcohol or smoking. Still, some users have experienced anxiety, mood swings, and depression. There is speculation that it may also cause suicidal ideation. One four-month study was conducted to that end, and the results were inconclusive, leaving researchers interested in starting a similar study for a more extended period. Another psychological effect is an increase in eating disorders and body dysmorphia. Some individuals abuse Ozempic and go beyond a healthy weight loss, eating less and less or severely restricting their food intake.

The social side effects are less discussed but are just as important. Turning down invitations for a meal out, a drink after work, or family celebrations to avoid food can fuel social withdrawal and create deep isolation.

How Ozempic May Be Creating Unexpected Challenges for Married Couples

Physical Intimacy Effects

When the physical side effects of Ozempic are pervasive enough to affect an individual’s health, it can disrupt the activities in the bedroom. Nausea, diarrhea, burping, flatulence, and gastric distress are not conducive to intimacy and romantic encounters. Some people experience mild discomfort for the first two months or so, but others struggle with them for several months or longer. Some users also experience decreased libido and little interest in their partner. This can harm a couple’s sexual relationship and lead to infidelity or legal separation.

Changing Dietary Habits and Mealtime Dynamics

Rapid weight loss can encourage someone to drastically change their diet in order to lose weight even more quickly.  Dietary changes can cause tension and conflict. Someone who is nauseated may not enjoy cooking if the smells make their side effects worse. A spouse who previously enjoyed trying new eateries or wine tastings may find them substantially less appealing. Focusing on healthy eating can leave the other spouse frustrated, hungry, and craving the occasional junk food snack. Since food no longer brings individual pleasure, it can make it difficult for the spouse not taking Ozempic to continue enjoying food and shared experiences as before.

Psychological Impact

The emotional and psychological side effects can weigh heavily on married couples. Someone who is losing weight quickly may be anxious about gaining it back. Hyperfocusing on weight loss can increase incidents of body dysmorphia and eating disorders. Avoiding social events such as barbecues, birthday parties, weddings, and other social events that involve food can isolate the couple. This can lead to resentment by a spouse who wants to share and socialize with friends and family. Depression and mood swings caused by the drug can also take a heavy toll on a marriage.

New Activities and Pursuits Apart

Individuals taking Ozempic may want to experience new opportunities in a smaller body, such as outdoor activities, going to the gym, or taking up new hobbies that perhaps their spouse is not interested in.

Financial Pressures on Couples

The financial strain Ozempic users experience is not limited to the $1,200 to $1,400 per month cost of the drug, which is not covered by most insurance plans. If someone loses significant weight, they will need smaller clothes and enjoy shopping more often because their size is no longer a limitation to their wardrobe options. New hobbies or activities could strain the family’s budget when buying gear or paying membership costs.

Legal Insights and Pathways Through Weight Loss-Related Divorce

Grounds for divorce in New Jersey fall into fault-based and no-fault options. The no-fault grounds are irreconcilable differences and prolonged separation. A couple must demonstrate that there has been a breakdown of the marriage for at least six months to claim irreconcilable differences with no chance of reconciliation. Living apart for 18 consecutive months is another way to get a no-fault divorce in New Jersey.

Fault-based divorces such as extreme cruelty are sometimes seen in cases where an individual is using Ozempic for weight loss. Acts of physical or mental abuse that make living with a spouse unreasonable fall under the category of extreme cruelty. This abuse can occur in opposing instances. For example, if the spouse who is losing weight berates their heavier partner for not losing weight, it could be viewed as mental abuse.  Ozempic can cause depression, mood swings, or impulsive behavior, which can be detrimental to a marriage.  Contrarily, if the spouse who is not losing weight accuses their partner of infidelity, demonstrates unhealthy emotions such as jealousy, or belittles the changes their partner is making, it could be considered extreme cruelty.

Divorce settlements can be influenced in several ways when a spouse is taking Ozempic. The courts use many factors to determine the equitable division of assets and spousal support. A judge may see the use of Ozempic as vital to an individual’s health and provide more assets or support to the person taking it. However, significant weight loss can be seen as a boost in health and vitality, making the person who is losing weight more capable of working steadily.

Connect with an NJ Family Lawyer who Understands Ozempic’s Role in Your Divorce Case

Even in the case of a no-fault divorce, the process can be daunting. There are many steps involved in getting a divorce, which can take several months. Our experienced divorce attorneys at Bronzino Law Firm can file all of the necessary paperwork and advocate for your best interests. We are excellent negotiators who can give you the advantage of resolving disputes effectively and will protect your rights during the entire process. Personal health issues or lifestyle changes can add complexity to the divorce process. We can address these issues with sensitivity while ensuring you the best representation. Our family lawyers will provide strategic support regarding how property division, child custody, and alimony will impact the outcome of your divorce, even under these unique circumstances. We can serve as your legal advocates and a source of stability within the family court system.

Additionally, our divorce lawyers will safeguard your financial interests by proposing a fair division of assets and spousal support. Divorce is a painful and emotional process, and while avoiding all conflict is usually impossible, we can act as a buffer between you and your spouse if negotiations become contentious. Our legal team can keep you focused on what will best benefit you while maintaining clear goals. Whether you’re in Red Bank, Rumson, Sea Bright, Bay Head, Mantoloking, Monmouth Beach, Long Branch, Brielle, Sea Girt, Colts Neck, or anywhere along the Jersey Shore, our family law team offers knowledgeable representation for traditional divorce cases and those complicated by Ozempic-related lifestyle changes.

If you or your spouse have taken Ozempic and are considering a divorce or have questions regarding your next steps, call us today at (732) 812-3102 or contact us online. Consultations with our attorneys are free and entirely private, so do not hesitate to reach out for further legal guidance.