Active ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy shows early promise for treating alcohol use disorder among those with obesity: Study

Key Points:

• A study from Mental Health Center Copenhagen found that semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used in weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, significantly reduced heavy drinking days by about 41% in adults with both obesity and alcohol use disorder compared to 26% for placebo.
• The trial involved 108 adults who received weekly semaglutide shots or placebo for six months alongside therapy, with results confirmed by blood tests showing lower alcohol intake, reduced cravings, weight loss, and improved blood sugar control in the semaglutide group.
• This is the first randomized controlled trial testing GLP-1 drugs in people actively seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder, which currently has only three FDA-approved medications; experts suggest semaglutide may be more effective than existing treatments.
• Researchers speculate semaglutide may affect brain reward pathways and dopamine regulation to reduce alcohol use, but the exact mechanism remains unclear, and further research is needed.
• The study was limited by a small, predominantly white sample focused on people with obesity, and while side effects were mild and similar to other GLP-1 uses, experts caution about the risks of non-regulated GLP-1 drug formulations due to cost and safety concerns.