Weight loss injections, such as those containing semaglutide and tirzepatide, may reduce the risk of alcohol-related hospitalizations by as much as 65%, according to new research. The study, published in the British Medical Journal, analyzed data from over 40,000 adults with a history of alcoholism.
US experts compared hospitalization rates for alcohol-related reasons among individuals using GLP-1 agonist medications with those who had not used the drugs. The findings suggest these injections could be more effective in preventing alcohol-induced illness than current medications for alcohol addiction.
Researchers from the University of Washington conducted four trials examining the impact of GLP-1 medications on alcohol-related hospital visits. In one trial involving people with type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 users were 63% less likely to be hospitalized for alcohol-related issues compared to those on standard alcohol addiction drugs. When compared to other diabetes drugs, the GLP-1s were associated with a 26% lower risk of such visits.
Among individuals using the injections for obesity, hospitalizations were approximately one-third less likely compared to those on other obesity treatments. For obese patients receiving treatment for alcohol problems, those also on GLP-1 injections were 65% less likely to be hospitalized for alcohol-related reasons.
The study concluded that these drugs could potentially play a role in treating alcohol use disorder by reducing hospitalization risks for individuals with a history of addiction. GLP-1s, known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, mimic natural appetite-suppressing hormones, helping users feel fuller. Common brands include Wegovy and Ozempic, both containing semaglutide, and Mounjaro, which contains tirzepatide.
While the findings add to a growing body of observational evidence suggesting GLP-1s may influence alcohol-related behavior, experts caution that more trials are needed. Dr. Marie Spreckley, an expert in weight management not involved in the study, noted that the findings are observational and cannot account for the severity of participants' alcohol use disorder.
Previous research has also indicated potential benefits of these drugs for individuals struggling with alcoholism, possibly by quieting the brain's reward system associated with addiction. A 2025 study in JAMA Psychiatry found semaglutide reduced alcohol consumption by 40% and desire to drink significantly. Another study suggested weight-loss injections could reduce the risk of addiction to alcohol, cigarettes, and illicit drugs by up to 25%.
In the UK, alcohol-specific deaths have recently begun to decline after years of record highs. In 2024, there were 9,809 alcohol-specific deaths, a 6.4% decrease from 2023. However, excessive alcohol use remains a significant cause of preventable deaths in the US, with over 178,000 attributable deaths annually. The economic cost of alcohol abuse in England is estimated to exceed £27 billion per year.
Alcohol use disorder is characterized by harmful alcohol consumption patterns, including drinking more than intended, difficulty reducing intake, and feelings of guilt or remorse. Currently, the NHS cannot prescribe GLP-1 drugs for addiction treatment, and private prescriptions are limited to patients classified as severely overweight.