GLP-1s are linked to lower levels of heavy drinking among people with obesity, according to a randomized, double-blind trial in The Lancet that tested once-weekly semaglutide. The study compared semaglutide with placebo in adults who met body mass index criteria typical for approved weight-management prescriptions.
The finding follows growing interest in GLP-1s as treatments that act on brain circuits controlling appetite and reward, prompting researchers to evaluate whether those effects extend to substance use.
Earlier work cited in the article includes a March 2026 BMJ cohort study of U.S. Veterans and a 2024 Addiction analysis that associated GLP-1 prescriptions with lower rates of various substance-related outcomes.
The Lancet trial enrolled 108 participants and 88 completed the intervention. Participants had a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher and received cognitive behavioural therapy alongside medication.
The semaglutide group showed roughly a 41% reduction in heavy drinking days versus a 26% reduction in the placebo group. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, the article notes.
Clinicians cited in the piece said the results reinforce earlier, smaller studies. “This study extends and strengthens many of the earlier, smaller GLP studies that suggested reduction in drinking, craving or self-administration,” says Adam Scioli, D.O., chief medical officer at Caron treatment centres in Pennsylvania and Florida.
Joseph Zucchi, a physician associate and clinical supervisor at Transition Medical Weight Loss in New Hampshire, said patients often report reduced alcohol interest while taking GLP-1s.
“In my own clinical experience, I have had many patients taking semaglutide [active ingredient in Wegovy] or tirzepatide [active ingredient in Zepbound] report that they are drinking less alcohol, craving it less or simply feeling less interested in it,” says Zucchi.
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Experts and authors caution against overgeneralising. The trial is small and limited to people with obesity.
Zucchi warned: “This does not mean GLP-1 medications cure alcohol use disorder, and it does not mean they should suddenly be used broadly for alcohol use disorder outside of the appropriate clinical context.”
The recap
- Semaglutide reduced heavy drinking days in the trial participants.
- Trial enrolled 108 participants and 88 completed intervention.
- Authors and experts call for larger, confirmatory studies.