Weight loss injections such as Wegovy and Mounjaro are not only helping people shed pounds but also curbing their alcohol intake, according to users and analysts. The trend could have significant implications for the drinks industry, with one prominent investor already offloading shares in Diageo due to concerns over falling sales.
Hannah, a Londoner in her early 30s, has lost four stone in six months using Wegovy. She reports that her alcohol consumption has plummeted: 'Since taking Wegovy I hardly ever crave a drink when I get home. When I used to go out with friends, I was nearly always the last one standing; now I’m leaving two hours before closing.' She has cancelled her wine and gin club memberships, saving money that offsets the cost of the drug.
Terry Smith, founder of Fundsmith Equity, revealed in his annual letter that his fund had sold its stake in Diageo, partly because weight loss drugs 'threatened to depress alcohol sales in the longer run'. He added that the drugs 'seem likely to eventually be used to treat alcoholism, such is their effect on consumption'. Diageo, which owns brands like Johnnie Walker and Guinness, declined to comment on the share sale.
Studies have found that medications containing semaglutide (used in Wegovy and Ozempic) or tirzepatide (used in Mounjaro) often reduce alcohol consumption. Experts believe the drugs may dampen reward pathways in the brain. Over 70 readers who shared their experiences with The Guardian all reported cutting back on alcohol, with some giving up binge drinking entirely.
Carla Greer, a fintech worker from Luton, has not been drunk since she started taking Mounjaro in May. She used to drink heavily at weekends but now has only the odd social drink. 'I manage my stress through exercise and the five-stone weight loss has enabled me to do that,' she said. The drug costs her just over £200 for a four-week pen.
