Weight loss drug is semi -giggled can reduce the desire for alcohol, heavy drinking and smoking, the new study – Rural Radio Network

(New York) – Semaglutide, a medicine widely used for diabetes and weight loss, can offer another unexpected benefit – this can help people drink less alcohol.

A study published in Jama Psychiatry recorded 48 adults between the ages of 21 and 65 who were diagnosed with alcohol disorder but did not seek active treatment.

Half received semaglutide, a type of GLP-1 receptor agonist until the other half receives treatment. During the nine-week test, the participants receiving half-glylyid began at a dose of 0.25 mg per week, which gradually increases to 1.0 mg in the last week, a much lower dose than what is usually prescribed for weight loss.

“We have found the biggest effects on the results related to the amount of drinking or heavy drinking …[semaglutide] It seems to be reducing the amount of drinking, “says Christian Hendnder, a doctor of science, a leading author of the study and a director of clinical studies at the Institute of Science for USC addiction, in an interview with ABC News.

In a controlled laboratory setting, participants receiving semi -glutide drank less alcohol. However, outside the laboratory, their total drinking days and daily alcohol intake did not change significantly. However, they reported less episodes of drinking alcohol and reduced alcohol desires.

Hendershot stressed that participants do not try to actively reduce drinking or refrain, which makes the effect of the drug particularly interesting.

“The reason why semaglutide can influence addictive behavior and desire and can play a role in treating an alcohol disorder is still not completely clear,” says Dr. Stephanie Widmeter, an emergency doctor and expert doctor In medicine of addiction. “It is necessary to do more research to really understand what the pathophysiology behind it is,” she added.

One possible explanation is that the GLP-1 receptors agonists increase the feelings of fullness, which can make alcohol less attractive, Henddershot said.

Previous animal studies suggest that these drugs may also affect the brain’s reward system, reducing the desire for substances such as alcohol and nicotine. However, it remains unclear whether the same effect applies to humans.

Interestingly, the drugs also seem to reduce the use of cigarettes in a small group of participants who have smoked, suggesting brighter effects on addictive behavior.

“Preclinical studies show that GLP-1 receptors are reducing not only alcohol intake but also nicotine self-adequacy and the nicotine-related prize,” notes Hendender. However, FDA medicines are not currently approved for both alcohol and nicotine addiction medicines.

Another unexpected advantage was that those treated with semi -glutide lost 5% of their body weight during the study. Although this result is in accordance with previous studies, Hendershot noted the need to evaluate potential side effects, especially in individuals with lower ITM.

The study had several important restrictions. He was small, lasted only nine weeks and took place in a controlled environment that may not completely reflect the behavior of drinking in the real world.

Moreover, as participants did not try to actively reduce alcohol consumption, their motivation – or lack of it – it may affect the results, Henderson suggested.

However, discoveries suggest that semaglutide may play a role in converting the treatment of addiction. According to National Health Institutes, only three medicines are currently approved by FDA for the treatment of alcohol addiction and many people with a condition never receive treatment.

In 2023, over 2 million people had a violation of alcohol use, but only about 8% received treatment.

“If the semi-glutide turns out to be a better option than the three FDA-approved medicines that are currently being used, this would be a huge breakthrough for many,” Widmeter said.

Dr. Christopher Wachuku is a preliminary trainee at Lankau Medical Center at Lankau Medical Center and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit.

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