New Study Suggests Ozempic May Significantly Curb Alcohol Binges
People taking semaglutide for diabetes or weight loss have frequently reported a decreased desire for alcohol. Now, a new study provides strong evidence supporting these claims, revealing a remarkable 30% reduction in alcohol consumption per drinking day among those on the medication, compared to just a 2% decrease with a placebo.
Led by University of North Carolina psychiatrist Christian Hendershot, researchers found that weekly injections of semaglutide—commonly known as Ozempic or Wegovy—not only reduced alcohol intake in individuals with symptoms of alcohol use disorder but also significantly curbed cravings. If these findings hold true in larger studies, they could transform treatment options for nearly 30 million Americans struggling with alcohol use disorder.
To further investigate, Hendershot’s team conducted a phase 2 clinical trial involving 48 participants, averaging 40 years old, who met the criteria for alcohol use disorder but were not actively seeking treatment. Each had a history of consuming at least seven drinks per week for women or 14 for men over the past month, including at least two heavy drinking episodes (four or more drinks for women, five or more for men).
Over nine weeks, participants received either a weekly dose of semaglutide or a placebo while tracking their alcohol cravings and consumption. While the total number of drinking days remained largely unchanged, by the second month, nearly 40% of those in the semaglutide group reported no heavy drinking days, compared to just 20% in the placebo group.
Semaglutide Reduces Alcohol Cravings and May Also Curb Smoking, Study Finds
“Semaglutide significantly reduced alcohol craving and drinks per drinking day,” the researchers concluded. Additionally, they observed a decrease in smoking, though this was based on a small sample of seven placebo recipients and six in the treatment group.
Since the study included individuals with mild to moderate alcohol use disorder, it remains unclear whether the drug would have the same effect on those with more severe cases. However, the results strongly support further research.
“These findings suggest semaglutide and similar medications could address an unmet need in alcohol use disorder treatment,” said University of North Carolina endocrinologist Klara Klein. “Larger, long-term studies across diverse populations are essential to fully evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this approach.”
Beyond alcohol use, semaglutide has shown promise in treating osteoarthritis, fatty liver disease, dementia, kidney disease, and other addictions in both animal and human studies. However, as with any medication, there are potential risks. Reported side effects range from nausea to heart muscle shrinkage, and scientists are still uncovering the long-term effects of this powerful drug.
Read Original Article: Science Alert
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