Ozempic, a popular weight-loss medication, may have unexpected benefits beyond shedding pounds. Recent research involving 14,000 WeightWatchers members suggests that Ozempic and other similar anti-obesity drugs could potentially help individuals with substance use disorders, particularly in reducing alcohol consumption.

The study conducted by WeightWatchers researchers focused on analyzing the impact of various anti-obesity medications, including second-generation GLP-1s such as semaglutide, on alcohol usage among participants. Surprisingly, the results revealed that half of the individuals who regularly consumed alcohol before starting the weight loss program reported a reduction in their alcohol intake after initiating the medication regimen.

The effectiveness of semaglutide and other newer GLP-1 medications in promoting weight loss has already been well-documented. However, researchers were intrigued by the possibility of these medications also having a positive impact on reducing cravings for opioids and alcohol. While the evidence remains largely anecdotal and based on small-scale studies, the findings from the WeightWatchers research provide further support for the potential role of anti-obesity drugs in addressing substance use problems.

Lead researcher Lisa Miller-Matero emphasized the novel approach taken in this study, which involved tracking participants’ alcohol use patterns both before and after starting the medication regimen. Unlike previous research that focused primarily on individuals with substance use disorders, this study included a broader range of anti-obesity medications and examined changes in alcohol consumption across the entire participant group.

The researchers’ findings, published in Jama Network Open, showed a significant reduction in alcohol use among program participants who were prescribed anti-obesity drugs. While all medications proved effective in reducing drinking habits, those taking bupropion/naltrexone were more likely to report drinking less after starting the program. These results remained consistent even after adjusting for weight loss, indicating the potential impact of these medications on alcohol use independent of their weight loss effects.

Furthermore, the study highlighted the positive outcomes observed among participants who were consuming moderate to heavy levels of alcohol before starting the weight loss program. Miller-Matero noted the promising potential for these medications to not only aid in weight loss but also in addressing substance use problems, particularly alcohol use disorders.

The researchers speculated on the mechanisms through which these medications could be influencing alcohol consumption. While naltrexone, a medication commonly used to treat alcohol use disorder, directly targets alcohol cravings, GLP-1 medications like semaglutide may reduce the rewarding effects of alcohol, similar to how they impact food intake.

Despite the encouraging findings, Miller-Matero stressed the need for further investigation to determine the specific effects of these medications on substance use disorders. She proposed conducting randomized trials with weight loss program participants who are not taking medication as a control group to identify the relative contributions of weight loss versus drug treatment in reducing alcohol usage.

Looking ahead, researchers are optimistic about the potential of anti-obesity medications, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists, in helping individuals with substance use disorders. The possibility of using these medications to address alcohol use disorders could pave the way for a new approach to treating addiction. As more studies are conducted to explore these connections, the hope is that these medications could offer valuable support to individuals struggling with both obesity and substance use problems.