Semaglutide Shows Promise in Reducing Alcohol Consumption, Small Study Reveals

A small Phase 2 study involving 48 participants found that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, may help reduce alcohol consumption13.

Participants receiving semaglutide showed a 50% greater reduction in drinking compared to those given a placebo, as measured by breath alcohol concentration1.

The study found a statistically significant reduction in drinks per drinking day for those taking semaglutide, but not in drinks per calendar day1.

Nearly 40% of participants in the semaglutide group reported no heavy drinking days during the last weeks of the study, compared to 20% in the placebo group35.

The drug appeared to reduce alcohol cravings and the quantity of alcohol consumed on drinking days, with semaglutide users reducing their alcohol intake by an average of 30% compared to 2% in the placebo group4.

The study lasted just over two months, and experts caution that larger, longer-duration trials are needed to confirm the findings and assess safety for non-obese individuals35.

Researchers observed that smokers in the semaglutide group also reduced their cigarette consumption, suggesting potential effects on other addictive behaviors34.

This research adds to growing evidence that GLP-1 receptor agonists, primarily used for weight loss and diabetes treatment, may have applications in treating various forms of addiction15.

Sources:

1. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/ozempic-glp-1-alcohol-use-disorder-jama-study/739871/

3. https://www.euronews.com/health/2025/02/13/blockbuster-weight-loss-drugs-could-help-with-alcohol-cravings-small-new-study-suggests

4. https://today.usc.edu/popular-weight-loss-diabetes-drug-shows-promise-in-reducing-cravings-for-alcohol/

5. https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/wellness/story/obesity-drugs-alcohol-cravings-new-study-suggests-potential-118738651