Study finds patients on anti-obesity medications may drink less alcohol

At the recent Obesity Week 2024 conference in America, new research revealed that people taking anti-obesity medications (AOMs), including popular GLP-1 drugs, appear to decrease their alcohol consumption.

The study, led by Michelle I. Cardel, PhD, RD, Chief Nutrition Officer at WeightWatchers, analysed survey data from over 14,000 participants in WeightWatchers’ telehealth weight management programme and found reduced alcohol use across all classes of AOMs.

This unexpected benefit suggests that AOMs may impact alcohol cravings or tolerance, adding a new layer to their role in managing weight and health. According to Cardel, “Clinicians treating individuals for obesity may consider anti-obesity medications particularly among those who report higher alcohol intake.”

Participants aged 43 on average, primarily women, and with an average BMI of 36, completed surveys on their alcohol use before and after starting an AOM. At baseline, participants were grouped by their weekly alcohol intake: non-drinkers, light drinkers, moderate drinkers, and heavy drinkers. After a period of AOM use, the surveys showed significant shifts including among those who reported drinking initially, nearly half reported drinking less after starting their AOM.

This effect was seen across all AOM classes, including GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as metformin and bupropion/naltrexone combinations.

The reduction in alcohol use appears to stem from both biological and behavioural factors. Physiologically, some users report that AOMs reduce their desire for alcohol, and drinking while on these medications can lead to more severe hangovers or nausea, which discourages further drinking. Additionally, many participants noted they were focused on improving their health, which may lead them to cut back on alcohol as part of their overall wellness goals.

Cardel suggests that further research could explore how AOMs compare to non-drug weight management approaches in reducing alcohol consumption. Since alcohol can be a major source of empty calories, reducing intake could contribute to the overall weight loss and health benefits for patients on these medications.

This study opens up intriguing possibilities for clinicians managing patients with both obesity and high alcohol use, highlighting the potential of AOMs to help address both issues simultaneously.