Doctors Just Found Something Fascinating About What Happens When You Drink on Ozempic

"GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy, were originally intended to treat diabetes - and didn't become blockbuster prescriptions until doctors realized that they were also potent weight loss aids that seem to re-wire patients' relationship to food and satiety. Since then, it's slowly been emerging that they have another surprising effect: many users report less of a desire to throw back as many drinks as they did before starting the injections."

"Indeed, several small studies have found promisingevidence that the drugs indeed curb cravings for alcohol, cigarettes, and even opioids, meaning they also hold promise to treat a range of addiction disorders. Exactly why remains hazy, though. It's generally established that GLP-1s target the brain's dopamine reward system, but scientists are still working to understand the exact mechanism. Addingto the complexity is that the drugs make other changes to the body's functioning that could interact with substance use in complex ways."

"In the study, participants drankthree alcoholic drinks over the course ofan hour while researchers tracked theirblood alcohol, glucose, and vital signs. Compared to non-users, thethe participants on GLP-1s reported feeling less drunk overall - and had the readings to prove it: theirblood alcohol level rose more slowly, meaning the buzz was delayed and less significant. It's not hard to imagine why. GLP-1s are known to slow gastric emptying of the stomach, which could likely result in alcohol reaching the bloodstream more slowly."

GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide were developed for diabetes and later found to produce substantial weight loss by altering satiety and food-related behavior. Many users report reduced desire to consume alcohol, and small clinical trials indicate GLP-1s can curb cravings for alcohol, nicotine, and opioids. The drugs modulate the brain's dopamine reward circuitry, though precise mechanisms remain unclear. GLP-1s also slow gastric emptying, which delays alcohol absorption and can lower and postpone peak blood alcohol concentrations. Combined neurological and pharmacokinetic effects may together reduce intoxication and addictive behaviors, suggesting therapeutic potential for multiple substance use disorders.

Read at Futurism