A recent study reveals that anti-obesity medications (AOMs), commonly prescribed for weight management, may also help reduce alcohol consumption, offering potential benefits beyond weight loss. Published in JAMA Network Open, the study demonstrates that about half of participants, particularly those who were moderate or heavy drinkers, experienced a decrease in alcohol intake while using these medications.
Led by Dr. Lisa Miller-Matero, Associate Director of Health Services Research at Henry Ford Health, the study expands on prior research by evaluating multiple types of AOMs, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) like Ozempic and Wegovy, alongside other medications such as metformin and bupropion/naltrexone.
“We focused on a diverse range of anti-obesity medications and observed changes in alcohol use, even among individuals who had reported casual alcohol consumption,” Miller-Matero explained. Unlike past studies, which primarily concentrated on GLP-1 RAs for treating substance use disorders, this study compared different medication classes to offer a broader perspective.
The research tracked the drinking habits of over 14,000 WeightWatchers members who began taking AOMs between January and August 2023, and continued their prescriptions into late 2023. Before starting treatment, participants were categorized based on their weekly alcohol consumption—light, moderate, or heavy. The study then assessed any changes in alcohol consumption during the follow-up period.
Key findings revealed that about 3,400 participants reduced their alcohol consumption, with the most significant reductions observed in moderate and heavy drinkers. All types of AOMs were linked to decreased alcohol use, especially among individuals with higher baseline consumption. Those who were initially drinking at hazardous levels had a notably higher chance of cutting back.
Senior author Dr. Michelle Cardel, Chief Nutrition Officer at WeightWatchers, shared some participant feedback: “People on the WeightWatchers program reported changes like, ‘I used to be a social drinker, but now I don’t crave my glass of red wine,’ or ‘I’m drinking less, and my hangovers are worse than ever, which has helped me cut back on alcohol.’”
While the results are promising, Miller-Matero cautioned that further research is needed to clarify whether the reduction in alcohol use is directly caused by the medications or influenced by healthier lifestyle choices, such as reduced calorie intake. These findings also open the door to exploring the use of AOMs in treating substance use disorders, a topic that warrants additional scientific investigation.
Related Topics:
What Are The Weight-loss Drugs That Can Suppress Appetite
