GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy appear to make people feel less drunk and reduce alcohol cravings by delaying gastric emptying, researchers report. The study, led by Virginia Tech’s Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, found that GLP-1 receptor agonists may offer a new approach to managing alcohol consumption and its effects. The findings, published in *Scientific Reports*, suggest that these drugs could influence not only metabolic processes but also behaviors related to alcohol use.
The study involved 20 adults with obesity, split into two groups: those taking GLP-1 medications and those who were not. Both groups fasted overnight, consumed an identical snack, and then drank a measured amount of alcohol designed to reach approximately 0.08 on a breathalyzer. Researchers tracked breath alcohol levels, cravings, and self-reported feelings of intoxication over four hours. The participants on GLP-1s showed a significantly slower rise in breath alcohol levels and lower overall levels, indicating that the drugs may help mitigate the immediate effects of alcohol.
Lead co-author Dr. Alex DiFeliceantonio explained that the findings support the known mechanisms of these drugs, which involve slowing gastric emptying and reducing the speed at which alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream. This effect could have important implications for both metabolic health and behavioral outcomes related to alcohol consumption. While the study does not suggest that these medications can prevent alcoholism, the results indicate that they may help reduce the impact of alcohol and potentially discourage excessive drinking.
However, the study’s limitations include its small sample size and lack of randomization, which the researchers acknowledged. They emphasized that further studies are needed to confirm the findings and to explore the long-term effects of GLP-1 drugs on drinking behavior. Experts have also raised questions about whether a reduced early buzz might lead to increased alcohol consumption in some individuals. As the medical field continues to examine the broader applications of these medications, their potential role in addressing both metabolic and behavioral health challenges is gaining attention.
Moreover, the study highlights the growing interest in GLP-1 drugs as potential tools for treating addiction and managing substance use disorders. Researchers like Dr. Akshaya Bhagavathula from North Dakota State University note that while the current findings are promising, they are based on a small and non-randomized sample. He emphasized that the study provides an