diff --git a/src/battle_util.c b/src/battle_util.c
index a9a976fb42..9bf82b0670 100644
--- a/src/battle_util.c
+++ b/src/battle_util.c
@@ -8202,6 +8202,7 @@ u32 ItemBattleEffects(enum ItemCaseId caseID, u32 battler, bool32 moveTurn)
             break;
         case HOLD_EFFECT_LIFE_ORB:
             if (IsBattlerAlive(gBattlerAttacker)
+                && !IsBattleMoveStatus(gCurrentMove)
                 && (IsBattlerTurnDamaged(gBattlerTarget) || !(gBattleStruct->moveResultFlags[gBattlerTarget] & MOVE_RESULT_NO_EFFECT)) // Needs the second check in case of Substitute
                 && !(TestIfSheerForceAffected(gBattlerAttacker, gCurrentMove))
                 && GetBattlerAbility(gBattlerAttacker) != ABILITY_MAGIC_GUARD
diff --git a/test/battle/hold_effect/life_orb.c b/test/battle/hold_effect/life_orb.c
index 61acd60660..f27ce29d03 100644
--- a/test/battle/hold_effect/life_orb.c
+++ b/test/battle/hold_effect/life_orb.c
@@ -15,3 +15,19 @@ SINGLE_BATTLE_TEST("Life Orb activates if it hits a Substitute")
         MESSAGE("Wobbuffet was hurt by the Life Orb!");
     }
 }
+
+SINGLE_BATTLE_TEST("Life Orb does not activate if using a status move")
+{
+    GIVEN {
+        PLAYER(SPECIES_WOBBUFFET) { Item(ITEM_LIFE_ORB); }
+        OPPONENT(SPECIES_WOBBUFFET);
+    } WHEN {
+        TURN { MOVE(player, MOVE_GROWL); }
+    } SCENE {
+        ANIMATION(ANIM_TYPE_MOVE, MOVE_GROWL, player);
+        NONE_OF {
+            HP_BAR(player);
+            MESSAGE("Wobbuffet was hurt by the Life Orb!");
+        }
+    }
+}