A recent study has revealed that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, may have a significant impact on reducing hospitalizations related to alcohol use disorder (AUD).
These medications, primarily prescribed for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, have shown potential to curb alcohol consumption among users. Conducted by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland and Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, the study analyzed data from over 228,000 Swedish individuals with AUD, aged between 16 and 64.
The findings indicate that patients using GLP-1 medications experienced a marked decrease in hospitalization rates due to alcohol or substance abuse-related conditions. Specifically, those taking semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) exhibited a 36% lower risk of hospitalization, while participants using liraglutide (Victoza) had a 28% lower risk.
These results suggest that GLP-1 agonists may be beneficial not only for managing obesity and diabetes but also in assisting individuals struggling with alcohol use. Dr. Sue Decotiis, a weight-loss physician based in New York City, corroborates these findings, stating that over 50% of her patients on medications like semaglutide report a significantly reduced desire to consume alcohol.
Importantly, while this study highlights the positive effects of GLP-1 drugs, the manufacturers, Novo Nordisk, clarify that their products are not specifically indicated for addiction-related illnesses. They emphasize the importance of using these medications in accordance with FDA-approved guidelines.
With approximately 28.9 million individuals in the U.S. diagnosed with AUD in the past year, these findings may pave the way for further research into alternative treatments for alcohol dependence. The implications of these medications extend beyond weight management and diabetes, suggesting a holistic benefit to overall health.
Future randomized controlled trials will be crucial to validate these findings and possibly establish GLP-1 agonists as a legitimate component of alcohol use disorder treatment protocols.
Source: Yahoo
