New study finds semaglutide could reduce alcohol consumption
It’s possible semaglutide treatment can reduce alcohol consumption, similarly to how it has been shown to reduce food consumption and consequently body weight. The findings were published in a new study in JAMA — the first clinical randomized controlled trial of this kind.
The new research
Previously, we only had observational studies looking at the link between alcohol and semaglutide treatment. That means that we looked back at people who were prescribed semaglutide for other reasons (usually diabetes) and evaluated how the drug affected their alcohol consumption. While reviewing that “old” data, it was difficult to know if any effects on alcohol consumption were attributable to the semaglutide or to other random factors. Luckily, this study overcame that and for the first time, a causal effect of semaglutide on the amount of alcohol that people drink was noted.
Results of the study
Reduced alcohol consumption: Participants who received semaglutide consumed fewer drinks on days they did drink compared to those on a placebo.
Lower alcohol cravings: Weekly alcohol cravings were significantly reduced in the semaglutide group.
Mechanism of action: Experts believe that semaglutide may work by dampening the brain’s reward cues—not only reducing the urge to overeat but also lessening the desire for alcohol.
Limitations of the study
This study had a small amount of participants and a short follow-up period, so it will be important to see if the effects of semaglutide are maintained over a longer time period, and just as important: What happens when people stop taking the medication? It will also be important to consider if and how semaglutide can be incorporated into conventional treatment for alcohol use disorder, which might include detoxification, talking therapies and other types of medications in combination. Nevertheless, the overall results were very exciting and will hopefully serve as a springboard for further research.
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