Weight-loss drugs may help reduce risk of addiction and overdose, study suggests

Medications used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes could play a role in reducing addiction to alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs, according to new research.

A large US study has found that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists – including Mounjaro and Ozempic – may lower the risk of developing substance use disorders and reduce the likelihood of overdose among people already using drugs.

The research, published in The BMJ, analysed health data from 606,434 US veterans living with type 2 diabetes over a period of up to three years.

Researchers found that people prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists had a significantly lower risk of developing several substance-related disorders compared with those treated with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, another class of diabetes medication.

Among participants with no prior history of substance use disorders, GLP-1 treatment was associated with reductions in the risk of:

• Alcohol-related disorders (18 per cent)

• Cannabis use disorder (14 per cent)

• Cocaine use disorder (20 per cent)

• Nicotine use disorder (20 per cent)

• Opioid use disorder (25 per cent)

The drugs were also linked to improved outcomes among people already using substances. The study found a reduced risk of overdose (39 per cent), emergency department visits (31 per cent) and death (50 per cent).

GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic a naturally occurring hormone released after eating. They help regulate appetite, increase feelings of fullness and slow gastric emptying. Scientists believe they may also influence reward pathways in the brain that are involved in cravings and addictive behaviours.

Experts say the findings add to a growing body of research exploring whether GLP-1 medicines could affect brain pathways linked to addiction.

Professor Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said the results should be interpreted with caution. “This study adds to emerging research exploring whether GLP-1 medicines may influence brain pathways involved in reward and addiction,” she said. “As this was an observational study, it is important to be clear that it does not show these medicines prevent or treat addiction.”

She added that further research, including clinical trials, will be needed to determine whether GLP-1 medicines have a direct therapeutic effect.