In my column last Monday, I discussed how to set effective New Year’s resolutions—those that are less prone to failure yet still provide a sense of accomplishment. The essence is that true joy often stems from overcoming challenges. I mentioned using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss as an example of a resolution that misses the mark. These medications can indeed be life-changing, but they eliminate the struggle that resolutions aim to cultivate.
The piece sparked quite a few reactions. For instance…
For your resolution to enjoy more activities: listen to and follow Mrs. B’s advice.
Absolutely!
However, it also got me thinking about another question: aside from resolutions, do GLP-1s actually boost happiness? What about other hassle-free methods for altering one’s appearance, like plastic surgery or hair transplants? Let’s dive into the research.
1. GLP-1 Drugs
Many people who use these drugs expect they will enhance their well-being—at least indirectly—by improving their appearance or health. This is a significant assumption, and surprisingly, there’s not much research supporting it yet.
Initial studies are a bit mixed. While there are reports suggesting that these drugs can improve well-being—like a review of Mendelian randomization studies which shows decreased depression and increased well-being beyond just health improvements—there’s also conflicting evidence. A major study in 2024 revealed that some patients treated with GLP-1s developed psychiatric conditions, including depression and anxiety. For individuals already experiencing these issues, the drugs may worsen their mental state.
So, it seems the verdict is still out, and it’s crucial for users of these medications to monitor their mental health closely.
2. Plastic Surgery
Generally speaking, cosmetic surgery tends to improve well-being initially. Data indicates the most significant boosts in self-rated quality of life come from procedures like breast augmentation, followed by rhinoplasty and liposuction. Women often experience increased self-confidence and reduced self-consciousness from breast augmentation. However, longer-term studies show that these benefits can fade, with reports of 12 percent lower psychological well-being after three years.
3. Anabolic Steroids
In contrast to cosmetic surgery, which mostly involves women, steroid use and testosterone treatments primarily target men. Research outlines two predominant outcomes. First, hormone replacement therapy tends to enhance quality of life by reducing depressive symptoms and boosting energy levels. However, the abuse of steroids (often sourced from less-than-reputable characters at gyms) can lead to increased aggression and irritability—often referred to as “roid rage.” It can also bring about symptoms of depression and anxiety despite the drugs being effective for their intended purpose of augmenting muscle strength.
This suggests that typical cosmetic procedures for women may offer greater overall benefits than those commonly chosen by men. This aligns with findings in evolutionary psychology that indicate aesthetic appearance can hold more weight in female happiness overall.
So far, I’ve been discussing these issues from a detached perspective. But the next aspect is a bit more personal for me…
4. Hair Transplants
Here’s a little secret from those of us in the Bald Brotherhood: when we hear about someone our age with a full head of hair getting caught up in legal troubles, there’s an odd sense of cosmic justice. There’s a bit of schadenfreude there—though we try to hide it. Scholars have pointed out that hair loss can bring significant psychological distress and may intensify feelings of depression and anxiety.
So what’s the solution? For some individuals, hair transplants can lead to a boost in self-esteem and emotional well-being. But that’s not universally true. It’s noted that some men actually experience diminished mental health post-procedure, particularly those who might have body dysmorphic disorder, a condition that could also explain some steroid usage.
In summary, this discussion touches on the happiness outcomes of popular body-image interventions. It’s important to clarify that I’m not condemning these choices. We all make our decisions. But one key takeaway is this: no matter what changes you make to your appearance—even if it involves adding hair—it won’t lead to self-love if that foundation isn’t already there. That work has to come from within.
Catch you next week.
Best,
Cue Ball
