Popular weight-loss drug helps to reduce alcohol consumption and even smoking, new study finds

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Scientists at the University of Southern California monitored 48 people with
alcohol use disorder, which can leave people with the inability to control their
drinking despite negative consequences.

Wednesday 12 February 2025 16:00, UK

Ozempic and other semaglutide drugs help people reduce their drinking, a new
study has found.

The drugs, best known for their use in weight loss and diabetes treatment, also
appeared to reduce how many cigarettes people smoked.

The study, completed by scientists at the University of Southern California,
confirms anecdotal reports that Ozempic and Wegovy users were getting fewer
cravings for alcohol.

Read more: Ozempic to Wegovy – what are the weight loss injections
[https://news.sky.com/story/from-ozempic-to-mounjaro-the-diabetes-drugs-repurposed-as-weight-loss-wonders-12823419]

Scientists at the University of Southern California monitored 48 people with
alcohol use disorder, which can leave people with the inability to control their
drinking despite negative consequences.

All of the women had had more than seven drinks in a week in the last month, as
well as two or more heavy drinking episodes.

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The men had all had more than 14 drinks in a week in the last month, as well as
two or more heavy drinking episodes.

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After the nine-week trial, the researchers found participants who had received
low doses of semaglutide, instead of the placebo, had reduced their drinking.

The injections reduced weekly alcohol cravings, reduced average drinks on
drinking days, and led to fewer heavy drinking days

In fact, the injections were more effective than existing medications used to
treat drinking problems.

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The participants who smoked also saw significant reductions in how many
cigarettes they smoked in a day.

More than 8,200 people died because of alcohol in 2023, according to data from
Public Health England, a 42% rise on 2019. Alcohol is also a known cause of more
than 60 illnesses.

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Two drugs currently approved to reduce alcohol consumption aren’t widely used.

“The popularity of Ozempic and other [similar drugs] increases the chances of
broad adoption of these treatments for alcohol use disorder,” said Professor
Christian Hendershot, who led the study.

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