New research has revealed that weight-loss injections can significantly reduce alcohol cravings, with one particular medication showing promising results. The injectable drug semaglutide, commonly known by the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, has been found to reduce alcohol consumption and cravings by nearly 40 percent in individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry explored the effects of weekly doses of semaglutide on 48 participants with AUD, who had not been actively seeking treatment. The results were striking: participants reported a 41 percent reduction in the number of alcoholic drinks consumed daily, along with a similar reduction in alcohol cravings.
The findings support anecdotal evidence from patients and doctors suggesting that semaglutide can curb the desire for alcohol, a benefit that mirrors its ability to suppress appetite and reduce food intake, which leads to weight loss.
Dr. Stephen Burgess, from the University of Cambridge, commented, “This is a small study, but an exciting one. It provides evidence that semaglutide treatment can reduce alcohol consumption, similar to how it has been shown to reduce food consumption and body weight. The likely mechanism is through dampening brain cues that trigger cravings for both food and alcohol.”
The study is particularly timely, as recent UK statistics showed alcohol-related deaths reached a record high, with over 10,000 deaths in 2023 linked to alcohol, such as alcoholic liver disease. These figures highlight the urgent need for effective interventions to combat alcohol dependency.
In the UK, Ozempic and Wegovy are available on the NHS for treating diabetes and weight loss, respectively, but only for those who meet certain medical criteria. While some experts remain cautious about the broader implications of semaglutide’s use in alcohol treatment, Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, Chairman of the Alcohol Health Alliance UK, expressed hope for further research. He emphasized that comprehensive research into the drug’s mechanisms could offer valuable insights into the causes of alcohol dependence.
Gilmore also highlighted the importance of prevention strategies to address alcohol-related harm and improve public health, underscoring that prevention efforts are both more effective and cost-efficient than cures.
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