Weight-Loss Drugs May Do More Than Suppress Appetite
Lau Baldo/Unsplash
Beyond Appetite: GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Zepbound are best known for blunting appetite and helping people lose weight. But researchers have increasingly been investigating whether they might also curb cravings for substances like alcohol, nicotine, and drugs. Earlier studies hinted at that possibility. Now, a massive observational study in The BMJ strengthens the case.
The Study: Researchers analyzed health records from more than 600,000 U.S. veterans with diabetes. They compared those taking a GLP-1 to veterans taking a different class of diabetes medication, and then followed all for three years. They sought to determine if those with no prior substance-use disorder were less likely to develop one on a GLP-1 and if those with a disorder were less likely to have serious harm while taking a GLP-1 (like overdose, hospitalization, or death).
The Takeaway: GLP-1 drugs were linked to a 14% overall risk reduction of developing a new substance-use disorder (including to alcohol, nicotine, opioids, cannabis, and cocaine). Among veterans with a pre-existing substance-use disorder, GLP-1 use was associated with 31% fewer SUD-related emergency department visits.
Keep in Mind: This was an observational study, so it shows only correlation. Still, the results are promising, particularly given the number of participants.
