Semaglutide Cuts Heavy Drinking in 108 AUD Patients as Trial Shows 26-Week Craving Drop
Updated
Updated · NewBeauty Magazine · May 29
Semaglutide Cuts Heavy Drinking in 108 AUD Patients as Trial Shows 26-Week Craving Drop
5 articles · Updated · NewBeauty Magazine · May 29
A 108-patient Lancet trial found semaglutide plus cognitive behavioral therapy reduced heavy drinking days, total alcohol intake and cravings more than therapy with placebo over 26 weeks.
Researchers said the GLP-1 drug may work by acting on brain pathways tied to appetite, reward and craving—mechanisms also linked to addiction.
Patients taking semaglutide also showed lower body weight, smaller waist circumference, improved blood sugar and better biomarkers of alcohol-related liver damage, while side effects such as nausea and constipation were mostly mild to moderate.
Only three drugs are currently FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder, and researchers said larger trials are still needed to test whether the benefit extends to patients without obesity.
If food and drug cravings share a brain circuit, could one pill truly solve both problems?
By silencing addiction, are 'miracle' weight-loss drugs also silencing our ability to feel joy?
Could a genetic test soon tell you if Ozempic will cure your cravings or just make you sick?