05/20/2026
Many patients taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy say they notice something unexpected: less interest in alcohol.
Now, new research suggests there may be a reason why.
A recent study found that semaglutide may help reduce alcohol cravings, lower the number of drinks people consume, and decrease heavy drinking days in adults with alcohol use disorder (AUD). In fact, by the final month of treatment, nearly 40% of participants taking semaglutide reported zero heavy drinking days.
While more research is still needed, these findings add to growing evidence that GLP-1 medications may do more than support weight loss — they may also affect the brain’s reward system and help reduce cravings beyond food.
For bariatric and GLP-1 patients, this is an exciting area of research that may reshape how we think about cravings, habits, and long-term health.