Weight loss drugs may reduce alcohol cravings

Weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro may also reduce the desire to consume alcohol, according to recent research and patient testimonials. These drugs utilize semaglutide or tirzepatide to mimic the GLP-1 hormone, primarily to suppress appetite and increase satiety. Scientists are now investigating whether these substances also modify brain reward mechanisms related to alcohol and nicotine.

A 2025 study by Christian Hendershot at the University of Southern California found that individuals with alcohol use disorder reported fewer cravings while using Ozempic. Additionally, research from the University of Colorado Anschutz indicated that oral GLP-1 medications could decrease days of excessive consumption in people with mild to moderate alcohol issues.

Responses to the medication vary; while some users report a loss of interest in drinking, others experience side effects such as nausea, reflux, or reduced alcohol tolerance. While reducing alcohol intake can support weight loss goals by lowering calorie consumption, specialists emphasize that more extensive, long-term studies are required to determine if GLP-1 medications can be formally used as a treatment for alcohol use disorder.