Unexpected side effect from popular weight loss drugs studied for help with addiction treatment

Weight Loss Drugs Linked to Diminished Alcohol Cravings

As drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic have become popular weight loss tools, some doctors and patients are also seeing a surprising side effect: diminished cravings for alcohol.

Megan Johnston’s Experience

Megan Johnston, a 38-year-old real estate agent from Arlington, Virginia, started taking semaglutide, the active ingredient in several brands of weight loss drugs, last year to try to lose weight. She had gained 30 pounds during the pandemic and noticed an increase in her alcohol consumption.

“At my check-up last year I remember telling my doctor I was drinking upwards of 15 drinks a week,” Johnston told CBS News.

However, since starting semaglutide, Johnston has severely cut back on her alcohol intake.

“Some weeks, none,” she said. “Last week was one. Maybe average three.”

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Addiction Medicine

According to Kyle Simmons, the director of Oklahoma State University’s Biomedical Imaging Center and a professor of pharmacology and physiology, if semaglutide is proven to be safe and effective for treating addiction, it could become the largest and most widely used pharmacotherapy for addiction medicine ever developed. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

Simmons is currently running a clinical trial to examine whether semaglutide reduces cravings for alcohol. The drug appears to affect the brain and remove the pleasure received from drinking alcohol. However, it is still unknown whether the medication is safe and effective for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.

Potential Side Effects and Long-Term Use

Like most medications, Wegovy and Ozempic come with the risk of side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. Chronic abdominal pain and digestive symptoms can have a significant impact on mood and energy levels. Rarer but more serious side effects may include thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, changes in vision, hypoglycemia, gallbladder issues, kidney failure, and cancer. The long-term effects of these drugs are also unclear.

Cost and Patient Satisfaction

Furthermore, these drugs are expensive. In 2023, Wegovy was in short supply and cost around $1,300 a month. Despite the cost, Johnston has been satisfied with the results.

“I went into it optimistic. Low expectations, and it certainly panned out for me,” she said.

Johnston reported losing 45 pounds over seven months and reducing her drinking by 75%.

Sara Moniuszko and Cara Korte contributed reporting.

More from CBS News

• Janet Shamlian

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 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 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial, and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders

2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials
   • Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality

Analysis

The article discusses the potential side effect of diminished cravings for alcohol in patients taking weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, which are based on the active ingredient semaglutide. This issue is connected to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, specifically Target 3.5, which aims to strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including harmful use of alcohol.

The article mentions that clinical trials are being conducted to examine whether semaglutide reduces cravings for alcohol, indicating progress towards Target 3.5. The potential effectiveness of semaglutide as a pharmacotherapy for addiction medicine is highlighted, suggesting a positive outcome for this target.

Although the article does not explicitly mention any indicators related to Target 3.5, the coverage of treatment interventions for substance use disorders (Indicator 3.5.1) can be used to measure progress towards this target. If semaglutide is proven to be safe and effective for treating alcohol use disorder, it could contribute to increasing the coverage of treatment interventions.

In addition, the article briefly mentions the potential side effects of Wegovy and Ozempic, including gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. These side effects are not directly related to the SDGs discussed in the article but may be relevant to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Target 6.3 aims to improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials. The presence of these side effects may indicate the need for proper disposal and management of pharmaceutical waste to prevent water pollution.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: cbsnews.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.