By Geraldine Ohonba
A new study has revealed that popular obesity medications in the GLP-1 class, such as Wegovy, may slow the body’s absorption of alcohol—potentially reducing intoxication levels and dampening cravings. Researchers say the findings open the door to exploring these drugs as a possible treatment for alcohol use disorder.
The research, conducted by scientists at the Virginia Tech Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and published in Scientific Reports on October 15, tested the effect of GLP-1 drugs on alcohol absorption in people living with obesity.
How the Study Worked
The trial involved 20 participants, all with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above. Half of them were already taking GLP-1 medications, while the rest were not.
Each participant, after fasting, was given identical snacks followed by cocktails with the same alcohol content, which they were asked to finish within 10 minutes. Over the next hour, researchers tracked their breath alcohol concentration, blood sugar, heart rate, and self-reported levels of intoxication.
The results showed that participants on GLP-1 treatments had a slower rise in alcohol concentration and consistently reported feeling less intoxicated compared to those not on the drugs.
Why This Happens
GLP-1 drugs are known to delay stomach emptying, which in turn slows the rate at which alcohol enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain. With alcohol arriving more gradually, its stimulation of the brain’s reward circuit—the system that generates pleasure and reinforces drinking—is reduced.
“People know there’s a difference between sipping wine and taking a quick shot of whiskey. Rapid absorption heightens alcohol’s effects,” the researchers explained. “By slowing absorption, GLP-1 drugs may make alcohol less rewarding, helping people drink less.”
Implications for Alcohol Addiction
The study’s inspiration partly came from online discussions, particularly on Reddit, where users on GLP-1 medications shared that their cravings for alcohol had decreased dramatically. Previous animal and human studies had also hinted that GLP-1 drugs influence brain pathways tied to addictive behaviors.
In the United States, about half of adults drink alcohol, and nearly 1 in 10 struggle with alcohol use disorder, according to the U.S. Public Health Service. If confirmed in larger trials, GLP-1 medications could represent a breakthrough in addiction treatment.
Next Steps
The researchers caution that their findings are preliminary due to the small sample size, but they plan to conduct larger, long-term clinical trials to validate the results.
For now, the study adds to growing evidence that GLP-1 medications—best known for weight loss and diabetes management—may have far-reaching effects on health, potentially reshaping approaches to both obesity and addiction.
