Another study suggests that weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy (NVO) and Mounjaro (LLY) may help people drink less alcohol.
Some patients taking weight-loss medications, including popular GLP-1 treatments, reported reducing their alcohol consumption, according to a new study recently published in the scientific journal JAMA Network Open.
The study surveyed approximately 14,000 members of the WeightWatchers (WW) weight loss program who were taking medications such as Wegovy, Mounjaro or older medications such as metformin. About 45% of those who drank alcohol reported drinking less after starting their anti-obesity medications. Furthermore, people who were seriously overweight and heavy drinkers were the ones most likely to cut back.
Wegovy and Mounrjaro belong to the class of drugs known as GLP-1 drugs, made popular by Novo Nordisk’s diabetes treatment Ozempic. These drugs mimic a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels and have become highly sought after as a treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic and prescription weight loss medications: how they work, what they cost, side effects and everything you need to know
This new study follows other anecdotal evidence from patients and healthcare providers that suggests GLP-1 drugs can help users curb addictions.
Previous studies have also shown that GLP-1 drugs can help people with substance use disorders. And a Morgan Stanley (MS) survey from earlier this year found that people taking GLP-1 drugs – including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound – reduced their alcohol consumption.
The investment bank surveyed approximately 300 GLP-1 users about their consumption habits while taking the medication. About 56-62% of alcohol consumers on GLP-1s reported drinking less alcohol since starting the medications, with about 14-18% cutting back on their alcohol consumption completely.
The analysts noted that they were “cautious in drawing conclusions” from their research about the impact of GLP-1 drugs on addictive behavior. Although research has not yet proven a causal relationship, clinical trials are currently underway to better understand the effects of GLP-1s on alcohol and tobacco consumption.
A small trial found that people with alcohol use disorders drank less after taking semaglutide – the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic – compared to people taking a placebo.
For the latest news, Facebook, Tweet and Instagram.
