New research has discovered that anti-obesity medications like Wegovy or Zepbound might also help people drink less alcohol. The study was published in JAMA Network Open on November 26 and suggests that these drugs might offer benefits beyond just weight loss.
This is particularly interesting for drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), typically used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, has already been connected to improvements in kidney health, as well as a lower risk of colorectal cancer and dementia, among other benefits.
While it’s too early to definitively add reducing substance use to the list of benefits, study author Lisa Miller-Matero, PhD, notes that the findings are promising. They suggest that medications for treating obesity might also impact reducing substance use, warranting further research into GLP-1 RAs.
Experts delve into why these medications might help people cut back on drinking and how they could influence addiction treatments in the future. Scientists have long suspected that GLP-1 RAs could help reduce alcohol consumption. For instance, a 2023 study by Oklahoma State University reported that six patients with alcohol use disorder experienced improvements after taking semaglutide. As drugs like Ozempic gain popularity in the U.S., similar anecdotal reports have emerged.
Miller-Matero and her team wanted to explore this further, collaborating with WeightWatchers to analyze data from over 14,053 members using anti-obesity medication. More than 86% were on either tirzepatide or semaglutide, while others took medications like metformin, bupropion, and naltrexone, or first-generation GLP-1 RAs such as liraglutide or dulaglutide.
Participants were surveyed about their alcohol consumption before starting the medication and again when refilling their prescription. Results showed that about 45% of those who drank alcohol initially reduced their weekly intake, particularly those who drank more or had higher levels of obesity. However, most people saw no change, and only 2.3% reported drinking more.
Addiction specialists believe this research could provide insights into the additional benefits of anti-obesity drugs, although studies are just beginning. GLP-1s are generating interest because studies in animals have shown a decrease in alcohol and drug use, though human evidence is still under investigation.
Scientists aren’t entirely clear on why GLP-1 medications appear to reduce drinking. One theory is that these drugs might affect how the brain processes cravings, similar to how they help reduce food cravings, as explained by Harith Rajagopalan, MD, PhD. The actual mechanism, however, remains uncertain.
Another possibility is that people experience a change in alcohol tolerance when using anti-obesity medications. As weight decreases, independent of treatment, alcohol tolerance can diminish.
Although starting a GLP-1 medication might influence drinking behaviors, experts do not recommend using it specifically as an addiction treatment or to reduce alcohol consumption. It’s still too early to understand exactly how these drugs affect drinking habits.
If you’re taking drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy, there is no specific need to stop drinking, but it might be a good opportunity to reconsider your habits. Reducing alcohol intake could be beneficial, as these drugs can amplify side effects like nausea and low blood sugar. Additionally, alcohol is calorie-dense and could counteract weight loss benefits.
