An Ozempic pen is visible. A new study in Sweden found the drug was effective at reducing hospitalization among patients addicted to alcohol. © Josh Morgan / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(New York, NY) – Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are popular for people with diabetes, obesity, and heart problems. Now, scientists are wondering if these drugs could also help people drink less.
A study from Sweden, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic) and liraglutide (Victoza) might help reduce heavy drinking. Researchers looked at data from over 250,000 people with alcohol use disorder and found that those taking these drugs had a lower risk of being hospitalized for alcohol-related issues.
Some experts call this finding important, but they warn that Ozempic and similar drugs aren’t ready to replace the three medications approved by the FDA for alcohol addiction. Dr. Lorenzo Leggio, a researcher on addiction, says more research is needed to confirm these drugs’ effects on drinking.
The study found that patients who took these drugs had fewer hospitalizations than those on other alcohol-use disorder medications. However, scientists like Sarah Church emphasize that we need more studies to be sure. Dr. Leggio’s team is now testing semaglutide in a new study, with results expected by 2026.
