BATON ROUGE, LA — A growing body of research is suggesting that anti-obesity medications may not only help people lose weight, but could also reduce cravings for alcohol. According to Dr. Drake Bellanger, an obesity medicine specialist at Baton Rouge General Hospital, these drugs target the brain’s craving centers, which are responsible for desires related to food, smoking, and alcohol.
“It’s a common effect—these medications help decrease cravings, not just for food but for alcohol as well,” Dr. Bellanger explained. “The craving center in our brain is universal, whether it’s for food, smoking, or alcohol.”
A recent study highlighted by national health experts found that nearly 50% of individuals who drank alcohol regularly reported a noticeable reduction in their alcohol consumption after starting anti-obesity treatment. This is significant, given the link between alcohol consumption and weight gain.
Nationally, around 13% of people have experimented with weight-loss medications. However, the added benefit of reduced alcohol cravings could provide an unexpected advantage during the holiday season, a time when alcohol consumption tends to peak at social gatherings.
Dr. Bellanger shared that many patients have reported less desire for alcohol since beginning treatment. “Most people just don’t crave it as much anymore,” he said. “For some, the taste of alcohol doesn’t even seem as appealing as it once did.”
While some individuals still choose to drink, Dr. Bellanger recommends red wine for those who want to minimize the impact on their weight and blood sugar. “Red wine tends to have a lower impact on both, making it a better choice for those concerned about weight management,” he added.
The findings are gaining attention as more people turn to anti-obesity drugs, not only for weight loss but also for their potential effects on curbing unhealthy habits such as excessive alcohol consumption.
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