A recent study conducted by Oklahoma State University researchers has ignited interest in the potential benefits of anti-obesity drugs beyond their primary purpose of weight loss. Published in JAMA Network Open, the study examined the effects of semaglutide, a popular ingredient in medications like Wegovy and Ozempic, on alcohol consumption among patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The findings revealed that six patients with AUD experienced improvements in their symptoms after starting semaglutide.
The study analyzed data from over 14,053 WeightWatchers members, focusing on their alcohol consumption before and after starting anti-obesity medications. Researchers found that approximately 45% of participants who reported drinking alcohol at baseline reduced their weekly consumption. However, the majority of those on anti-obesity drugs reported no change in their drinking habits, while a mere 2.3% reported an increase in alcohol intake.
This research presents intriguing possibilities regarding the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs that includes semaglutide. “GLP-1s are very intriguing drugs for our field,” noted Timothy Brennan, MD, MPH, highlighting the potential of these medications to influence alcohol and drug use. Animal studies have shown that GLP-1s can reduce substance use in rodents and non-human primates, but it remains uncertain whether similar effects can be definitively proven in humans.
“Studies in rodents and non-human primates have demonstrated that GLP-1s cause a reduction in alcohol and drug use, but we still don’t know whether this can be definitively proven in humans…To be clear, though, these are very exciting times in our field.” – Timothy Brennan, MD, MPH
The study's authors partnered with WeightWatchers to gather insights from members who reported a diminished desire for alcohol while on anti-obesity drugs. Lisa Miller-Matero, PhD, one of the study's authors, commented on the collaboration:
“We partnered with colleagues at WeightWatchers [WW International] on this project after they began receiving reports from their members [taking anti-obesity drugs] that they noticed a reduced desire for alcohol,” – Miller-Matero
The potential brain effects of GLP-1 drugs are a topic of interest among researchers. Harith Rajagopalan, MD, PhD, suggested that these medications might alter the brain's reward system, potentially affecting both weight loss and reduced alcohol consumption.
“People do not know if this decline in alcohol use is because people make lifestyle changes when they enroll in such weight loss programs, or if it’s the GLP-1 drug itself that is having effects on the brain’s sense of reward that may be driving both weight loss and reduced alcohol use,” – Harith Rajagopalan, MD, PhD
Despite these promising observations, experts urge caution before considering GLP-1 drugs as a treatment for substance use disorders. Brennan articulated the need for further research:
“We don’t yet know exactly how these drugs affect drinking,” – Brennan
“It’s too early to know if GLP-1 drugs can be used as a treatment for substance use disorders,” – Brennan
The study also included participants using other anti-obesity medications, though over 86% were prescribed either tirzepatide or semaglutide. These drugs have been associated with various health benefits, such as improved kidney health and a reduced risk of colorectal cancer and dementia. However, Miller-Matero emphasized that it's premature to add substance use treatment to the list of benefits:
“It’s probably too soon to add substance use treatment to that list of benefits,” – Miller-Matero
Leslie Heinberg, PhD, advised against combining alcohol use with these medications due to the lack of specific contraindications:
“Although there isn’t a specific contra-indication, alcohol use isn’t recommended on these medications,” – Leslie Heinberg, PhD
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