The hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), released from the small intestine, stimulates insulin secretion in the pancreas, which helps reduce blood glucose levels. Medications that boost GLP-1 activity, like Wegovy and Mounjaro, have become widely used for weight management. A new research paper examining how GLP-1 receptor agonists affect drinking behavior was recently featured in *JAMA Psychiatry*.
A research project included 48 American individuals showing signs of alcohol dependence, averaging 40 years of age. Subjects were split randomly into two categories: 24 were administered weekly subcutaneous doses of Wegovy, starting at a low level between 0.25 and 0.5 mg over nine weeks, afterward receiving a placebo for an additional nine weeks. The other 24 initially took a placebo, then switched to Wegovy, with their drinking behaviors assessed both prior to and following the intervention.
The findings indicated that, versus the placebo phase, the Wegovy intervention led to an approximate 5% reduction in body weight and notably lowered alcohol intake. Although there were no changes in the number of days spent drinking or how often individuals drank, both the quantity of alcohol consumed during each drinking episode and the count of high-risk drinking days dropped considerably during the Wegovy treatment. This implies that even though participants still felt inclined to consume drinks, they ended up ingesting less since the taste of alcohol became less appealing.
GLP-1 plays a role beyond regulating insulin; it influences the central nervous system to reduce hunger, an effect believed to enhance its ability to address alcohol dependency. Overconsumption of alcohol may result in several health issues including heart disease, liver disorders, and certain types of cancer. Breaking free from alcohol addiction proves very challenging through self-discipline alone. The discovery that Wegovy, even when used in small amounts, diminishes the flavor of alcohol and lowers intake offers hope for individuals seeking to break their reliance on alcoholic substances.
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