How Ozempic Users Are Kicking Bad Habits to the Curb

The diabetes drug Ozempic, along with its relatives Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, are highly regarded for their weight loss benefits, but concerns about their side effects are also on the rise. A recent survey by Morgan Stanley revealed that users of these glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists experienced reduced smoking and alcohol consumption, suggesting broader craving control effects. With potential impacts on addiction-related brain mechanisms, these medications could offer unexpected benefits beyond their primary indications, reflecting a complex interplay within the body.

Emily Johnson April 25, 2024

The buzz in the medical world is all about the diabetes drug Ozempic and its relatives – Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro. These medications are not just for managing blood sugar levels or shedding a few pounds; they’re apparently helping people kick some other unhealthy habits to the curb. A recent survey conducted by Morgan Stanley revealed that individuals on these drugs, collectively known as glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, reported a decrease in smoking and alcohol consumption.

Before starting treatment with a GLP-1 drug, 40 percent of the survey participants were weekly smokers. After beginning the medication, this number dropped significantly to 24 percent. E-cigarette usage also saw a notable decline, from 30 percent to 16 percent. The impact on alcohol consumption was even more striking, with over half of the respondents cutting back on drinking and a sizeable percentage giving up alcohol entirely. The drugs’ ability to assist in managing cravings extends beyond just food-related urges.

The interesting part? No one really knows exactly how these drugs work to curb cravings. According to Lorenzo Leggio, the clinical director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the brain’s mechanisms that regulate overeating overlap with those involved in addiction behaviors, such as alcohol abuse. This could explain why individuals on GLP-1 drugs are finding it easier to resist smoking and drinking.

In an interview with National Geographic, a participant in a clinical study on GLP-1 drugs’ effects on smoking cessation shared her surprising experience. Casey Arnold noted feeling unusually calm and shocked by how different her mindset was towards quitting smoking while on the medication. The transformative effects of these drugs are not just limited to weight loss and diabetes management; they seem to have broader implications for behavior modification.

While GLP-1 medications are currently approved for specific medical conditions, their potential for off-label usage is becoming increasingly apparent. As more individuals turn to these drugs for varying reasons, the medical community will continue to uncover both positive and negative side effects. The evolving understanding of these medications could open up new avenues for their application and shed light on their mechanisms of action. So, the next time you hear about Ozempic or Wegovy, remember, they might just be doing more than you think!