GLP-1 Medications Associated with Improving Addictive Behaviors
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — GLP-1 receptor agonists, specifically tirzepatide and semaglutide, may provide significant “anti-consumption” benefits to patients by reducing food cravings, recreational drug use, alcohol consumption, and potentially other addictive behaviors, according to a new observational study published in Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases.
“Today, 73% of American adults are obese or overweight, and the death rate from substance use including alcohol and recreational drugs is twice as high in the U.S. as the next highest nation,” said James O’Keefe, MD, a co-investigator of this study, and director of preventive cardiology at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute. “These issues have caused a progressive decrease in life expectancy in the U.S. over the past decade.”
Researchers analyzed data from randomized clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and systematic analyses of social media focused on tirzepatide (brand names Mounjaro® for diabetes and Zepbound® for weight loss), and semaglutide (brand names Ozempic® for diabetes and Wegovy® for weight loss).
The meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials provide evidence these drugs improve life expectancy and reduce risks of cardiovascular death, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, liver failure, and kidney failure. The analyses showed tirzepatide and semaglutide also can reduce arthritis pain and the need for joint replacement.
Tirzepatide is the first and only FDA-approved drug for treating obstructive sleep apnea. Additionally, researchers noted GLP-1s are showing promise in reducing risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
“By modulating dopamine signaling, GLP-1s reduce cravings and allow individuals to be more rational when faced with various temptations in 21st century America,” said Dr. O’Keefe. “These drugs may be uniquely effective in addressing addictions, whether it be to ultra-processed food, sweetened drinks, alcoholic beverages, nicotine, methamphetamine, or marijuana.”
Read the full article in Progress in Cardiovascular Disease.
