Can a weight loss injection help reduce alcohol cravings?

A new study has found that semaglutide—better known as the weight-loss injection Wegovy or Ozempic—may do more than help with weight loss. Early research suggests it may also reduce alcohol cravings and decrease the amount consumed.

This discovery has sparked interest among scientists and doctors, fueling hopes that semaglutide could be used to help people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). But how strong is the evidence, and what does it mean for the future of alcohol addiction treatment? Let's take a closer look.

What does the study reveal?

Researchers in the United States conducted a small study involving 48 people with alcohol use problems. These individuals were not actively seeking treatment, but all suffered from an alcohol use disorder—a condition in which people struggle to control their drinking despite the negative effects on their health and daily life.

Participants were randomly divided into two groups:

• One group received a weekly low-dose injection of semaglutide for 9 weeks.

• The other group received a placebo (an injection with no effect).

Before and after treatment, the researchers invited participants to a "drinking lab"—a comfortable setting where they could drink their favorite alcoholic beverages for two hours. The researchers tracked the amount of alcohol consumed and measured the alcohol content in their breath.

The results showed that people who took semaglutide:

✅ Drank less alcohol when offered drinks in the lab.

✅ Had fewer binge drinking days over time.

✅ Experienced a 40% decrease in their alcohol cravings.

✅ Consumed 41% fewer drinks on the days they drank.

Interestingly, a small number of participants who also smoked reduced their cigarette consumption while taking semaglutide.

How does semaglutide work?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a type of drug originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels.

Many people taking this weight-loss drug report a loss of interest in food and a faster feeling of fullness. Scientists now believe semaglutide may also reduce alcohol cravings by affecting the brain's reward system.

Dr. Stephen Burgess of the University of Cambridge explains:

"Semaglutide appears to attenuate the brain signals that cause people to crave food and alcohol."

Why is this important?

Alcohol use disorder is a major public health problem. In 2023, the number of alcohol-related deaths in the UK reached a record high, with 10,473 people dying from alcohol-related illnesses, such as liver disease.

Current medications for treating alcohol addiction, such as naltrexone and acamprosate, do not work for everyone. Semaglutide may offer a new alternative for people struggling with addiction.

Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, chairman of the Alcohol Health Alliance UK , welcomed the research, but stressed the need for further studies. He also reminded policymakers that preventing alcohol-related harm must remain a priority.

"While these new treatments are promising, we already know how to reduce the harm of alcohol: by making it less affordable and restricting its marketing."

Should you try semaglutide to reduce alcohol cravings?

It is important to note that this was a small, preliminary study. Although the results are encouraging, larger clinical trials are needed to confirm whether semaglutide is safe and effective in the long term for treating alcohol dependence.

Another key point is that semaglutide is not without side effects. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and digestive upset. Additionally, it is currently only approved for weight loss and diabetes—not for treating alcohol use disorder.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, it is best to seek medical advice or help from organisations such as Alcohol Change UK or Drinkaware .

What's next?

The next step is to conduct larger, longer trials to better understand how semaglutide affects alcohol consumption. If future research confirms these results, we could see semaglutide become a new treatment option for alcohol dependence—offering hope to many people struggling with cravings and excessive drinking.

In the meantime, experts stress that prevention and support services remain the best ways to combat alcohol-related harm.