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Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Weight-loss medications may also benefit common medical problem, study finds
Weight-loss medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, which have gained popularity for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, have been shown to have the surprising secondary benefit of reducing alcohol intake. A team of international researchers from Ireland and Saudi Arabia followed 262 adult patients with obesity who started taking two GLP-1 medications: liraglutide or semaglutide. Among the regular drinkers, weekly alcohol intake decreased by 68%, from approximately 23 units of alcohol to around 8 units. Weight Loss, Diabetes Drugs Can Cause Mood Changes: What To Know About Behavioral Side Effects The findings were recently published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism and were also presented last week at the European Congress on Obesity in Spain. GLP-1 agonists mimic a hormone called GLP-1, which is released from the gastrointestinal system after eating, according to study co-author Carel Le Roux, a professor at University College Dublin. Read On The Fox News App These medications activate GLP-1 receptors in the brain, decreasing the sense of "reward" people feel after eating or drinking, eventually leading to reduced cravings for both food and alcohol, he told Fox News Digital. "It is this commonality of function that suggests the GLP-1 receptors in the brain may be a therapeutic target for not just the disease of obesity, but also for alcohol use disorder," the professor said. Before the participants started the weight-loss drugs, they self-reported their weekly alcohol intake, then were categorized as non-drinkers, rare drinkers or regular drinkers. Approximately 72% had at least two follow-up visits and 68% reported regular alcohol consumption. Weight-loss Drugs' Impact On Cancer Risk Revealed In New Study After starting the weight-loss medications, the participants' weekly average alcohol intake decreased by almost two-thirds overall — from approximately 11 units of alcohol to four units after four months of treatment with the GLP-1 agonists. The reduction in alcohol use was comparable to the decrease that can be achieved by nalmefene, a drug that decreases the "buzz" feeling in people with alcohol use disorder in Europe, according to the researchers. For the 188 patients who were followed over an average of four months, none had increased their alcohol intake after starting the weight-loss medications. Patients reported that after an evening meal, they were too full to have their usual drink — and when they did drink, they reported becoming full extremely quickly and drinking at a slower pace, Le Roux noted. This suggests that the experience was less enjoyable, partly due to the reduced rate of alcohol absorption. Some patients also reported that they didn't enjoy the flavor of the alcoholic beverages as much, and also that hangovers were much worse. All of these experiences showed that the weight-loss medications create "guard rails" that prevent most patients from drinking excessively, giving them a degree of control over their alcohol intake, according to Le Roux. "The findings in this study suggest that we may have just found a therapeutic target for alcohol use disorder — the GLP-1 receptor," the professor told Fox News Digital. "This finding potentially opens the possibility of an entirely new pharmacological treatment paradigm, which could be used in conjunction with conventional methods, such as behavior therapy and group support." The study was limited by its relatively small number of patients, the researchers acknowledged. Also, the researchers were not able to verify the participants' self-reported alcohol intake, and roughly one-third of them were not available for follow-up. Semaglutide Found To Have Shocking Benefit For Liver Disease Patients In New Study There was also no control group, which means the researchers couldn't prove that taking weight-loss medication reduces alcohol intake. "Randomized, controlled trials with diverse patient populations — including patients diagnosed with alcohol use disorder — are needed to provide the quality and quantity of data that could be used to support an application for licensing the medication for the treatment of alcohol use disorder," Le Roux said. (One such trial is currently underway in Denmark.) With the current medications available to treat alcohol use disorder, the "major problem" is compliance, Le Roux said — "because the cravings for alcohol tend to come in waves." "This means a patient might be fully committed to treatment at one point in the week, but then stop taking the medication later in the week when a craving comes," the professor added. There are currently three FDA-approved medications to treat alcohol use disorder: naltrexone (which helps decrease cravings by reducing the "buzz" feeling that comes with drinking alcohol); disulfiram (which helps some people avoid alcohol by making them feel sick when they drink), and acamprosate (which restores the balance of hormones in the brain to reduce cravings), according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter But less than 10% of people with alcohol use disorder get the proper treatment, with many resuming use within the first year of treatment, past research shows. The main advantage of the GLP-1 agonists is that they only need to be taken once a week and continue to work for the entire week. Outside experts say the study's findings highlight the potential of weight-loss medications to help treat alcohol use disorder. "This research suggests a promising ancillary benefit of GLP-1 analogs, potentially influencing cravings for alcohol and offering a new avenue for managing alcohol use disorder," Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, obesity medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, who was not part of the study, told Fox News Digital. For more Health articles, visit "While the exact mechanisms are still being explored, the findings contribute to our understanding of the broader benefits of GLP-1 analogs beyond obesity treatment," Stanford article source: Weight-loss medications may also benefit common medical problem, study finds
New York Post
17-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Weight loss, diabetes drugs can cause mood changes: What to know about behavioral side effects
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), medications that help control type 2 diabetes and obesity, can have a profound impact on physical wellness – but what about mental health? Some examples of these medications include semaglutides, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, and liraglutide, like Victoza and Saxenda. Advertisement Various studies have pointed toward GLP-1 RAs causing mental health complications, such as anxiety and depression. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) published research in June 2024 that considered the correlation between semaglutide therapy and 'exacerbating mood disturbances.' The study highlighted the association of negative mood changes in patients with type 2 diabetes with a history of depression, warning healthcare providers to be aware of this 'potential risk.' But a more recent study, published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, suggested that these mood changes were linked to genetic variations across diverse populations and ancestries within the U.K. Biobank. Advertisement While GLP-1 RA variants had 'consistent cardiometabolic effects' across all groups, the researchers said the negative impacts on mental health were 'more varied,' concluding that any behavioral changes are 'likely not acting directly through [the medications].' 5 Nazario noted that GLP-1 RAs can affect mood in many different ways. tmc_photos – Doctors weigh in on medications and mood Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon who often prescribes GLP-1 RAs to his patients, believes that there is 'no consistent causal relationship' between these medications and mental illness. 'Researchers assayed genetic markers across almost half a million people from different backgrounds in search of a link between the gene behind GLP-1 receptors and mental health problems like depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation — and they didn't find it,' he summarized. Advertisement People who are obese or battling type 2 diabetes are 'often already depressed' without the medication, the doctor pointed out. 5 Various studies have pointed toward GLP-1 RAs causing mental health complications, such as anxiety and depression. nazif – 'These conditions take a toll – physically, emotionally and socially,' he said. 'So, yes, a large portion of patients starting GLP-1 drugs are already dealing with mental health struggles. But that's not because of the drug — that's because of the disease.' Once these individuals begin dropping weight, blood sugar stabilizes and energy improves, which usually lifts their mood as well. Advertisement 'GLP-1 drugs help people reclaim their health,' Osborn noted. 'They reduce inflammation. They lower blood sugar. They shrink waistlines.' 5 People who are obese or battling type 2 diabetes are 'often already depressed' without the medication, the doctor pointed out. K KStock – 'And when people look and feel better, when their bodies finally start working for them instead of against them, they often smile more, not less.' Dr. Muhammad Ghanem, a bariatric surgeon at Orlando Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute, shared in a separate interview with Fox News Digital that while some of his patients have reported mood changes, others 'don't have that at all.' 'Depression or mood changes are very common regardless, especially nowadays, and so it's hard to [determine] whether this is related to the GLP-1 agonist medications, or whether it just happens to be that they started suffering from these after they started that medication,' he said. 'It's really hard to tell whether it's a personality change that can happen because of weight loss or if it's a side effect because of mood changes,' he added. 'I don't think we have enough data to reach that conclusion yet.' Patients who lose weight with GLP-1 RAs can experience a 'big boost' in confidence, as well as a change in personality and even relationships, according to Ghanem. 5 Once these individuals begin dropping weight, blood sugar stabilizes and energy improves, which usually lifts their mood as well. Tinnakorn – Advertisement 'It really depends on the person and the support system they have,' he said. 'You need proper, randomized controlled trials to reach a conclusion, and better studies to determine whether this is related to the medication itself or just weight loss.' 'It's important for all doctors who prescribe these drugs to be aware and check the patient's history.' For those who are interested in these medications or are experiencing mood changes while taking them, the surgeon stressed the importance of keeping in close contact with medical providers. 'Just like any other medication, they can have potential side effects,' he said. Advertisement Ghanem recommended seeking out professionals and practices who take a 'holistic approach' to weight loss, offering mental health support in addition to medication. 5 For those who are interested in these medications or are experiencing mood changes while taking them, the surgeon stressed the importance of keeping in close contact with medical providers. alones – Dr. Brunilda Nazario, MD, chief physician editor of medical affairs at WebMD, told Fox News Digital that 'obesity is complicated.' 'Obesity specialists … are cautiously excited about how well these drugs work,' she said. Advertisement 'With current studies showing conflicting results on mood disorders and the use of GLP-1 drugs, it's important for all doctors who prescribe these drugs to be aware and check the patient's history before prescribing [them].' Nazario stressed that it's 'vital' for GLP-1 RA users to listen to their bodies, urging them to pay attention to their feelings and know the symptoms of mood disorders. 'Don't be afraid to ask for help if you feel something is not right — your health depends on it,' he added. Advertisement Nazario noted that GLP-1 RAs can affect mood in many different ways. 'They are not all negative — they have the potential to improve mood as well,' she said. 'Just seeing great results can boost self-esteem, confidence and body image.'
Hans India
10-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Study shows weight-loss drugs can cut alcohol intake by almost two-thirds
New Delhi: Medications such as liraglutide or semaglutide taken for weight loss also have the potential to reduce alcohol consumption by almost two-thirds, according to new research. Alcohol use disorder is a relapsing condition that accounts for 2.6 million deaths a year -- 4.7 per cent of all deaths globally. Treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), therapies that aim to strengthen motivation to stop or reduce drinking, and medication can be very successful in the short term, however, 70 per cent of patients relapse within the first year. The study showed that Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues -- drugs developed to treat obesity -- likely curb alcohol cravings in the brain. Average alcohol intake decreased from 11.3 units/week to 4.3 units/week after four months of treatment with the GLP-1 analogues a reduction of almost two-thirds. Among the regular alcohol drinkers, intake decreased from 23.2 units/week to 7.8 units/week in four months. This reduction of 68 per cent is comparable to that achieved by nalmefene -- a drug used to treat alcohol use disorder in Europe, said Professor Carel le Roux, of University College Dublin, Ireland. "The exact mechanism of how GLP-1 analogues reduce alcohol intake is still being investigated, but it is thought to involve curbing cravings for alcohol that arise in subcortical areas of the brain that are not under conscious control. Thus, patients report the effects are 'effortless'," Roux said. The study, published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, was also presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025). GLP-1 analogues have reduced alcohol intake in animal studies, but research on their effect in humans is less. To find out more, the team prospectively collected data on the alcohol intake of patients who were being treated for obesity at a clinic in Dublin. The real-world study involved 262 adults with a BMI more than 27 kilograms per square metre (kg/m2) (79 per cent female, average age 46 years, average weight 98kg) who were prescribed the GLP-1 analogs liraglutide or semaglutide for weight loss. A total of 188 of the 262 patients were followed up for an average of four months. None of them had increased their alcohol intake. "GLP-1 analogues have been shown to treat obesity and reduce the risk of multiple obesity-related complications. Now, the beneficial effects beyond obesity, such as on alcohol intake, are being actively studied, with some promising results," Roux said.
