A recent study suggests that GLP-1 medications, commonly prescribed for weight loss, may help reduce alcohol consumption among heavy drinkers. Dr. Maurice O’Farrell led a pilot study with 262 adults prescribed medications such as semaglutide and liraglutide. These medications, more widely known by their brand names of Ozempic and Wegovy, had their positive findings presented at this year’s 32nd European Congress on Obesity taking place in Spain.
Participants in the study had an average weight loss of about 17 pounds in four months. In addition to their metabolic effects, GLP-1 medications have direct effects on the brain—particularly in areas that govern reward and satisfaction. This combined potent effect allows to achieve a spectacular weight reduction. Dr. O’Farrell noted that these medications “attenuate dopamine release in reward pathways, and these pathways are common to food satisfaction but to the pleasure people get from alcohol.”
Heavy drinkers drinking 11 units of alcohol take-home per week were the most notable among participants. They logged the largest decreases in their alcohol consumption. The results indicate that GLP-1 medications can be used to drastically lower alcohol consumption. By comparison, nalmefene is a drug uniquely approved in Europe for aiding individuals in reducing their alcohol intake.
The study results are simply amazing! We must caution that nearly a 1/3 of the subjects dropped out of the trial. This is very concerning in terms of compliance and in terms of the generalizability and applicability of the treatment to a wider, real-world population. Dr. O’Farrell emphasized that “the real advantage that this medication has is compliance,” highlighting how these medications provide users with a sense of control and clear boundaries in their behavior.
Dr. Keerthana Pakanati, a Cardiovascular Disease Fellow at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, emphasized the importance of exploring additional health benefits of GLP-1s. These benefits extend well beyond their widely advertised use in diabetes management and weight loss. The future Healing as One investigation into these drugs hopes to reveal more information about their effects on conditions like PTSD.
CLF Scientists are unpacking the public health benefits of GLP-1 medications. This new study is an important step toward understanding how these drugs might be able to help people reduce harmful alcohol consumption without gaining weight. These implications would be profound. They would extend far beyond individual health. In doing so they may lead to next generation treatment strategies for individuals who are fighting AUDs.
