Study reveals that diabetes and weight loss medications can decrease alcohol-related hospitalizations.

A recent study suggests that GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, can reduce the impact of alcohol.

GLP-1 agonists, which include semaglutide or liraglutide, are used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, but research has shown that individuals taking them report reduced alcohol consumption.

A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland and Karolinska Institutet in Sweden discovered that individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) were less likely to be admitted to hospitals for alcohol or substance abuse-related health issues.

A study examined long-term data from over 228,000 individuals in Sweden with AUD, aged between 16 and 64, as stated in a press release.

The use of GLP-1 medications was associated with a "significant reduction in hospitalizations due to AUD" for individuals with AUD, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, according to researchers.

Those taking semaglutide (such as Ozempic and Wegovy) had a 36% lower risk, while those taking liraglutide (Victoza) had a 28% lower risk.

Naltrexone, considered the best drug for alcohol use disorder, was outperformed by GLP-1 drugs in terms of effectiveness.

According to our research, GLP-1-agonists may be beneficial in treating not only obesity and diabetes, but also alcohol and substance use disorders. However, these findings must be confirmed through randomized controlled trials, said Markku Lähteenvuo, a docent of forensic psychiatry at the University of Eastern Finland and the Niuvanniemi Hospital, in a statement.

Dr. Sue Decotiis, a weight-loss doctor in New York City, has stated that this isn't the first study to link GLP-1s to reduced alcohol intake.

Studies have shown that GLP-1 reduces the urge to drink alcohol, according to Decotiis, who was not part of the Swedish research.

"A significant number of my patients who use semaglutide and tirzepatide experience a notable decrease in their desire to consume alcohol."

Eli Lilly's Retatrutide, a new weight-loss drug, is reportedly even more effective in treating alcohol addiction, according to Decotiis.

These drugs have consistently demonstrated their ability to improve overall, long-term health across the entire body, according to her.

According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 28.9 million people aged 12 and above had an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the past year.

Planet Chronicle Digital received a statement from Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy.

"Our company encourages independent research on the effectiveness and clinical benefits of our products. However, none of our semaglutide-based products are intended for the treatment of addiction-related disorders."

"Our clinical studies have not been designed to evaluate the effectiveness of semaglutide in treating alcohol use disorder, tobacco use disorder, or other addiction-related illnesses. We only promote the FDA-approved indications of our medicines for appropriate patients and support their prescription to those who meet the specified criteria."

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The researchers of the study and Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Retatrutide, were contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for comment.