Weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro have the potential to reduce the need for hospital admissions among individuals struggling with alcohol dependency, a recent study suggests. Researchers found that alcohol-dependent individuals using these appetite-suppressing drugs were approximately 66% less likely to require hospitalization. The study, which analyzed 41,000 users who had started Wegovy, Ozempic, or Mounjaro between January 2018 and December 2024, indicated a promising role for these drugs in addressing addiction.
These medications, which mimic the glucagon-like peptide (GLP) 1 hormone, are known for inducing feelings of fullness and regulating blood sugar. Wegovy, prescribed for obesity, and Ozempic, for diabetes, have shown potential in reducing alcohol cravings and lowering the risk of alcohol-related hospital admissions. In a combined analysis of four similar studies, GLP-1 drugs were found to significantly decrease the risk of alcohol-related hospitalizations compared to other diabetes and obesity medications.
Notably, the study revealed that weight loss injections could notably reduce the risk of alcohol-related hospital admissions by 63% among type 2 diabetics with alcohol issues and 65% among obese individuals with alcohol problems. These findings are particularly significant given the high number of alcohol-related hospital admissions in England, with more than one million reported in 2023/24.
While weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro offer various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects on multiple organ systems, they can also lead to side effects like vomiting and necessitate personalized support to maintain weight loss. Experts caution that further research is needed to fully understand the potential of GLP-1 medications in assisting individuals with alcohol-related issues. Professor Colin Angus from Sheffield University emphasized the importance of considering factors such as affordability and access to these treatments when interpreting the study’s findings.
