Weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro have shown potential in reducing the need for hospitalization among individuals with alcohol dependence, a recent study indicates. The study, involving 41,000 users, revealed that those on these appetite-suppressing drugs were approximately 66% less likely to require hospital admission. Researchers are considering exploring these drugs as a potential treatment option for addiction.
The research focused on individuals who had initiated Wegovy, Ozempic, or Mounjaro between January 2018 and December 2024. Dr. Hemalkumar Mehta from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, US, noted that the study’s results could hint at a possible role for GLP-1 receptor agonists in addressing alcohol-use disorder.
These medications, which mimic the glucagon-like peptide (GLP) 1 hormone, work by inducing a sense of fullness and regulating blood sugar levels. While Wegovy is commonly prescribed for obesity and Ozempic for diabetes, previous studies have hinted at their potential to reduce alcohol cravings and lower alcohol consumption in individuals with addiction issues.
Combining data from four similar studies, scientists found that GLP-1 drugs significantly decreased the risk of alcohol-related hospital admissions compared to other diabetes and obesity medications. Weight loss injections were particularly effective, reducing the risk of alcohol-related hospitalization by 63% to 65% among individuals with type 2 diabetes or obesity facing alcohol-related problems.
In England alone, there were over one million alcohol-related hospital admissions in 2023/24, underlining the significance of finding potential treatments that could mitigate such issues. Studies have also suggested that these weight loss medications may offer various health benefits beyond addiction treatment, including anti-inflammatory effects on multiple organ systems and potential assistance in conditions ranging from heart disease to mental illness.
While these drugs come with side effects like vomiting and require personalized support from specialists to maintain weight loss, experts caution that further research is necessary to fully establish the role of GLP-1 medications in aiding individuals with alcohol-related problems. Colin Angus, a professor of alcohol policy at Sheffield University Addictions Research Group, acknowledged the study’s contribution to the growing evidence supporting the benefits of GLP-1 drugs but highlighted the need for more extensive research, considering factors like affordability and access to these treatments.
