Ozempic, a diabetes treatment used by some to lose weight, and Wegovy, an anti-obesity drug, could both help people with alcoholism reduce their drinking, new research suggests.
- The Semaglutide molecule, marketed under the name Ozempic or Tirzépatide, acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It thus has effects on blood sugar and appetite.
- Two recent research shows that it may have strong potential in the treatment of alcohol use disorders.
- However, more work is needed before medications can be considered as a treatment solution for alcoholism.
L’Ozempicthe antidiabetic popularized on social networks for its slimming effects, and the Wegovy would not have an effect only on weight and insulin, according to a study carried out. These two treatments, notably imitating a gastrointestinal hormone (GLP1) which participates in the regulation of appetite, can also reduce the desire to drink alcohol.
Indeed, two studies present new evidence that the Semaglutide – molecule of the two drugs – as well as the Tirzpatide could also help people suffering from alcoholism.
Semaglutide : case study reveals reduced desire toalcohol
In a case study published on November 27, 2023 in the journal The Journal of Clinical Psychiatrythe researchers note that “Semaglutide, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA)has shown promise in preclinical work for reducing alcohol consumption, but there are currently no randomized clinical trials associated with a reduction in alcohol use disorder symptoms with the use of Semaglutide “.
To better understand the possible effects of this treatment, the team followed six patients who had been prescribed Semaglutide to lose weight, who also showed signs of alcoholism before the start of treatment.
Drinking disorders were assessed using a test called AUDIT. At the end of their taking Semaglutidethe 6 patients had seen their alcohol consumption decrease. The same was true for the symptoms related to this problem.
“This case series is consistent with preclinical data and suggests that GPL-1RA have strong potential in the treatment of alcohol use disorders”conclude the scientists.
Alcohol and Semaglutide : another study confirms the drop in consumption
Other scientists, working on the effects of Semaglutide as well as Tirzepatid (which also targets the receptor of GLP1)on alcohol consumption, reached similar conclusions.
For their part, they first examined comments on social media about the drugs they were studying. “Discussions related to “effects of medications” (30 %)to “diabetes” (21%)to “weight loss and obesity” (19%) and “health care and pharmacy” (14%) dominated”explain the researchers in their article published in the journal NatureNovember 28. The exchanges of 962 people were analyzed. Among their 1,580 messages on alcohol, 71% mentioned a reduction in the desire to drink and a reduction in consumption.
For the second part of their research, the scientists recruited 153 users from various social media platforms. Some participants took Tirzepatid or Semaglutideothers No. They all took the AUDIT test and provided information on their alcohol consumption (quantity, frequency, etc.)
Results of analyzed data: AUDIT scores decreased when people started taking the obesity treatment. The number of drinks drunk per episode was reduced dramatically.
“In summary, we provide real-world initial evidence of reduced alcohol consumption in obese people taking medication Semaglutide Or Tirzepatidwhich suggests potential effectiveness for the treatment of alcoholism comorbid with obesity.conclude the researchers.
If the two articles provide interesting evidence of the beneficial effects of Semaglutide or Tirzepatide on the treatment of alcohol use disorders, additional research is necessary for them to enter the list of possible treatment options.
