GLP-1 receptor agonists may be effective in helping people drink less alcohol, finds study

Dr Subhani said: “Our findings show that this type of diabetes medication shows promise in reducing alcohol consumption, potentially by targeting the brain’s reward centre, especially in people with a BMI over 30.”

The key findings:

• In one main study, the medication exenatide did not significantly reduce drinking overall after six months, but people with obesity showed some positive results.
• Another study found that people taking the drug dulaglutide were 29% more likely to reduce drinking than those on a placebo.
• Observational studies (non-randomised) showed fewer alcohol-related health problems and lower alcohol use in people taking GLP-1 RAs compared to other treatments.

“Whilst further research is needed, our findings suggest this could be a potential treatment option in the future for excessive alcohol use and subsequently could lead to a reduction in alcohol-related deaths,” adds Dr Subhani.

Reference:

Mohsan Subhania, Association between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists use and change in alcohol consumption: a systematic review, EClinicalMedicine, DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102920