Weight loss drugs may stop people getting addicted to drugs and alcohol, study finds

"Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, such as Mounjaro and Ozempic, are thought to work by influencing the brain's reward pathways in order to cut cravings. They help people feel fuller by mimicking the natural substance released after eating."

"GLP-1s reduced the risk of alcohol-related disorders in those with no history of substance use by 18% and of using cannabis (14%), cocaine (20%), nicotine (20%) and opioids (25%), compared with those on other sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 drugs also used to treat diabetes."

"Weight loss drugs also reduce the risk of people already using substances from overdosing (39%), needing emergency help in A&E (31%) or dying (50%). This study adds to emerging research exploring whether GLP-1 medicines may influence brain pathways involved in reward and addiction."

"As this was an observational study, it is important to be clear that it does not show these medicines prevent or treat addiction. Further research, including clinical trials, will be needed to understand whether GLP-1 medicines have a direct effect."

GLP-1 receptor agonists, medications used for type 2 diabetes and obesity treatment such as Mounjaro and Ozempic, may help prevent addiction and reduce harm from substance use. A study of 606,434 US veterans found these drugs reduced the risk of developing alcohol-related disorders by 18% and decreased cannabis, cocaine, nicotine, and opioid use by 14-25% compared to alternative diabetes medications. For people already using substances, GLP-1s reduced overdose risk by 39%, emergency department visits by 31%, and mortality by 50%. These medications work by influencing brain reward pathways and reducing cravings. However, experts emphasize this observational study does not prove these medicines prevent or treat addiction, and further clinical trials are needed to establish direct effects.

Read at www.theguardian.com