A new study has found that the weight loss medication semaglutide may help reduce alcohol cravings, heavy drinking, and smoking. Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to treat diabetes and weight loss, showed promising results in reducing drinking quantity and frequency among adults with alcohol use disorder.
The nine-week study enrolled 48 participants aged 21-65 who were not actively seeking treatment for their condition. Half received semaglutide at doses ranging from 0.25mg to 1.0mg per week, while the other half received no treatment. The results showed that participants taking semaglutide reported fewer binge-drinking episodes and reduced alcohol cravings.
The study’s lead author, Christian Hendershot, suggested that semaglutide may reduce drinking quantity by increasing feelings of fullness, which makes alcohol less appealing. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanism behind this effect.
In addition to reducing alcohol consumption, semaglutide also appeared to reduce cigarette use among a small group of participants who smoked. This finding suggests that the medication may have broader effects on addictive behaviors.
The study’s results are promising, but it has several limitations, including its small sample size and controlled setting. However, they suggest that semaglutide could play a role in reshaping addiction treatment, particularly for individuals who do not respond to current FDA-approved medications.
If confirmed, this finding would be a significant breakthrough for many individuals with alcohol use disorder, who often struggle to access effective treatment. The study’s authors emphasize the need for further research to fully understand the effects of semaglutide on addiction and to evaluate potential side effects, particularly in individuals with lower BMIs.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/weight-loss-drug-semaglutide-reduce-alcohol-cravings-heavy/story?id=118700712