Study reveals additional health perk of weight-loss medications

Weight-loss medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists have been gaining popularity for their effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, a recent study has revealed a surprising secondary benefit of these medications – a reduction in alcohol intake among patients.

A team of international researchers from Ireland and Saudi Arabia conducted a study involving 262 adult patients with obesity who were prescribed two GLP-1 medications: liraglutide or semaglutide. The results, which were published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism and presented at the European Congress on Obesity, showed that regular drinkers experienced a significant decrease in their weekly alcohol intake. On average, alcohol consumption decreased by 68%, from approximately 23 units of alcohol to around 8 units.

GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which is released from the gastrointestinal system after eating. These medications activate GLP-1 receptors in the brain, reducing the sense of reward people feel after eating or drinking. This ultimately leads to decreased cravings for both food and alcohol, according to study co-author Carel Le Roux, a professor at University College Dublin.

The study found that after starting the weight-loss medications, participants reported feeling too full to have their usual drink after an evening meal. Additionally, they reported becoming full quickly and drinking at a slower pace, leading to a less enjoyable drinking experience. Some patients even mentioned that the flavor of alcoholic beverages wasn’t as appealing, and hangovers were more severe.

While the study had some limitations, such as a small sample size and lack of a control group, the findings suggest a potential therapeutic target for alcohol use disorder. By targeting the GLP-1 receptor, weight-loss medications could offer a new approach to managing alcohol cravings and reducing alcohol intake.

Currently, there are three FDA-approved medications for treating alcohol use disorder, but compliance and cravings remain significant challenges. The advantage of GLP-1 agonists is that they only need to be taken once a week and continue to work for the entire week. This offers a promising avenue for managing alcohol use disorder and could potentially improve treatment outcomes for patients.

Overall, the study’s findings highlight the broader benefits of GLP-1 analogs beyond obesity treatment and provide valuable insights into their potential to help individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder. As further research is conducted, these medications could offer a new and effective approach to addressing alcohol cravings and reducing alcohol intake in patients.