A US study has suggested that weight loss drugs could help reduce the risk of addiction to alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and cocaine. The research, published in the British Medical Journal, also indicated that these medications might lower the chance of overdose, hospitalisation, or death among those already using illicit substances.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as Mounjaro and Ozempic, are thought to influence the brain's reward pathways, reducing cravings. The study analysed 606,434 US veterans with type 2 diabetes over up to three years. Compared to those on other diabetes drugs, GLP-1 users had a reduced risk of alcohol-related disorders (18%), cannabis use (14%), cocaine use (20%), nicotine use (20%), and opioid use (25%).
Among those already using substances, GLP-1s were associated with a 39% lower risk of overdose, a 31% lower risk of needing emergency care, and a 50% lower risk of death. However, Professor Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, cautioned that the observational study does not prove these medicines prevent or treat addiction, and further clinical trials are needed.
Gareth Jones of the National Pharmacy Association called the study significant, noting that weight loss treatment may offer additional therapeutic benefits. However, he added that the NHS rollout of these drugs to obese people remains 'painfully slow'.
A separate meta-analysis by Cambridge University found that most people who stop taking GLP-1s regain weight: 60% within a year, and eventually 75%, leaving only 25% of initial loss sustained long-term. Side-effects and cost lead to about half of users stopping within a year, and three-quarters within two years.
A survey by Simple Online Pharmacy of over 3,000 GLP-1 users found that two-thirds hide their use from friends and family, fearing judgment. Of those criticised, 79% were accused of taking 'the easy way out', and 68% were told to 'just eat less and move more'.
