Ozempic and Wegovy users are less likely to become addicted to alcohol: study

Ozempic and Wegovy Users Experience Weight Loss and Reduced Alcohol Use Disorder Risk, Study Finds

A recent study conducted by the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine reveals that users of the weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy are not only shedding weight but also reducing their risk of being diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD) or experiencing relapses. The study, led by researcher Rong Xu, suggests that taking these drugs can potentially halve the risk of AUD. This breakthrough offers promising prospects for the treatment of AUD, a significant health concern globally.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The study’s findings contribute to promoting good health and well-being by addressing the issue of alcohol use disorder and providing a potential therapeutic method for its prevention and treatment.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – By reducing the risk of alcohol use disorder, these drugs promote responsible consumption and contribute to healthier lifestyles.

Study Details

The research team analyzed the health records of 83,825 patients who were taking either semaglutide or another obesity medication. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, mimics the hormone GLP-1 produced by the body after eating, leading to a feeling of fullness and reduced cravings. The study found that semaglutide can reduce the risk of AUD by 50% to 56%.

Significance and Future Research

The study’s findings were replicated in a larger study involving 598,803 patients with Type 2 diabetes. The researchers believe that these results indicate the potential benefits of using semaglutide for both preventing and treating alcohol use disorders. Ongoing randomized clinical trials are being conducted to further explore how these drugs can combat addictions.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The potential use of semaglutide in preventing and treating alcohol use disorders aligns with the goal of promoting good health and well-being.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaboration between researchers, medical professionals, and pharmaceutical companies is crucial in conducting clinical trials and developing effective treatments for addiction.

Alcohol Use Disorder as a Public Health Concern

Alcohol use disorder is responsible for approximately 178,000 deaths each year in the US alone. Despite its significant impact, there are currently only three FDA-approved medications for treating AUD. The study’s findings highlight the potential of using existing medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, to address this public health concern.

Prescription Medications for Diabetes and Weight Loss

The popularity of prescription medications for diabetes and weight loss has been on the rise. In a July 2023 survey, it was found that 4% of adults admitted to using prescription drugs for weight loss, while 10% reported discontinuing their use. While these medications may have side effects, such as hair loss and behavioral changes, they are also showing promise in combating addictions due to their impact on the brain’s reward system.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The availability and use of prescription medications for diabetes and weight loss contribute to promoting good health and well-being.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The responsible use of prescription medications aligns with the goal of promoting responsible consumption and production.

Conclusion

The study’s findings provide hope for individuals struggling with obesity, alcohol use disorder, and related health issues. The potential benefits of using Ozempic and Wegovy in reducing the risk of alcohol use disorder highlight the importance of ongoing research and collaboration in addressing public health concerns and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. No Poverty

• Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.

3. Good Health and Well-being

• Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
• Indicator 3.5.2: Harmful use of alcohol, defined according to the national context as alcohol per capita consumption (aged 15 years and older) within a calendar year in liters of pure alcohol.

10. Reduced Inequalities

• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

17. Partnerships for the Goals

• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

Analysis

The issues highlighted in the article are related to the use of prescription drugs for weight loss and their potential impact on reducing alcohol use disorder (AUD). Based on the content of the article, the following analysis can be made:

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:

• No Poverty (SDG 1)
• Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)
• Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)
• Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)
• Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

• Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
• Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions one specific indicator that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator 3.5.2: Harmful use of alcohol, defined according to the national context as alcohol per capita consumption (aged 15 years and older) within a calendar year in liters of pure alcohol.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nypost.com