How much less Irish people drank while taking weight loss drugs like Ozempic: study
Share this @internewscast.com

Talk about a lucky charm.

Medications such as Ozempic — which replicate the appetite-reducing GLP-1 hormone naturally formed by the body after meals — have been proven to aid in weight reduction, alleviate knee osteoarthritis pain, soothe skin issues, and decrease dementia risk.

Now, an international team of researchers has found more evidence that people also booze a lot less when taking these meds.

“GLP-1 [drugs] have demonstrated effectiveness in treating obesity and decreasing the likelihood of various complications related to obesity,” stated Professor Carel le Roux from University College Dublin, Ireland.

“The beneficial effects beyond obesity, such as on alcohol intake, are being actively studied, with some promising results.”

Le Roux’s team analyzed data from 262 overweight or obese adults prescribed liraglutide or semaglutide for weight loss at a clinic in Dublin.

Semaglutide is sold as Ozempic to treat Type 2 diabetes and as Wegovy for obesity.

Saxenda and Victoza contain liraglutide. Saxenda is for weight loss, while Victoza is for diabetes.

Participants disclosed their alcohol consumption before the study commenced and were divided into three categories — comprising 31 non-drinkers, 52 occasional drinkers (fewer than 10 drinks weekly), and 179 regular drinkers (more than 10 weekly).

Most of the participants were female, the average age was 46 and the average weight was 216 pounds.

The researchers followed 188 of the 262 patients for an average of four months of treatment. None of the participants drank more than usual during that time.

Average alcohol intake decreased from 11.3 to 4.3 drinks a week, a reduction of almost two-thirds.

Among the regular drinkers, consumption declined from 23.2 to 7.8 drinks a week.

The findings were published in January in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism and are due to be presented in the coming days at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain.

“The exact mechanism of how GLP-1 [drugs] 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,” le Roux said. “Thus, patients report the effects are ‘effortless.’”

Le Roux reported that the alcohol reduction from GLP-1s mirrors the results of nalmefene, a drug used to treat alcohol dependence in Europe.

Harmful alcohol use accounts for about 2.6 million deaths a year, 4.7% of all global deaths.

Treatment typically involves counseling, such as behavioral therapy, and medications that reduce the urge to drink. However, relapse rates are high.

GLP-1s are not a cure-all, to be sure. Side effects can include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, and less often, hair loss and skin pain. In very rare cases, blindness and behavioral changes can occur.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'I miss him so much': Friend remembers contractor fatally stabbed on first day at Anheuser-Busch

Heartfelt Tribute: Friend Honors Contractor Tragically Lost on First Day at Anheuser-Busch

Antoine Autry is fondly remembered as a dynamic and kind-hearted young man…
As One Pelosi Exits, Another Enters: Christine Launches State Senate Bid

Christine Pelosi Steps into the Political Arena with State Senate Campaign as Nancy Pelosi Retires

Christine Pelosi has officially thrown her hat into the ring for California’s…
Chicago man with 25 prison sentences commits new burglaries within 48 hours of release

Chicago’s Infamous Repeat Offender Strikes Again: A Shocking 48-Hour Crime Spree Following 25 Sentences

A career criminal from Chicago, whose activities span over 40 years, has…
How Aurora Police Department officers learn to defuse volatile situations, including mental health crises

Aurora Police Department’s Innovative Training Techniques for Defusing Volatile Situations and Addressing Mental Health Crises

CHICAGO (WLS) — In traditional police training, officers are often instructed to…
Who was eliminated in week 9? 'Dancing with the Stars' throws epic 20th birthday party, topped off with 4 perfect scores

Dancing with the Stars Shocker: Week 9 Elimination Revealed Amid Epic 20th Birthday Bash and Perfect Scores!

LOS ANGELES — “Dancing with the Stars” marked its 20th anniversary in…
NYC Council speaker candidate Crystal Hudson took real estate cash despite pledge

NYC Council Candidate Crystal Hudson Faces Scrutiny for Accepting Real Estate Contributions Despite Pledge

Brooklyn Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, a prominent contender in the upcoming City Council…
Turning Point USA: Fights break out, multiple people arrested as event sparks protest at UC Berkeley, California

Tensions Rise at UC Berkeley: Protests Erupt During Turning Point USA Event, Resulting in Multiple Arrests

The nationwide campus tour by Turning Point USA concluded on Monday evening…
WATCH: Teen arrested after alleged wild shovel attack on police cruiser in ritzy Florida neighborhood

Teen Arrested for Shovel Attack on Police Car in Upscale Florida Community

A teenager in Florida has been taken into custody, accused of attacking…
ABC7 Chicago kicks off annual Feed the Love campaign as SNAP benefits in limbo for millions | How to donate

ABC7 Chicago Launches Annual ‘Feed the Love’ Initiative Amidst Uncertainty Over SNAP Benefits; Here’s How to Contribute

The ongoing federal government shutdown has left millions of Americans without their…
Federal inmates gather in prison yard

Sheriff Raises Concerns Over California’s ‘Mental Health’ Legislation, Citing Risks of Releasing Dangerous Individuals

In California, a law designed to divert individuals with mental health issues…
Camp Mystic leaders prioritized equipment, told children to 'shelter in place' as flooding closed in: lawsuit

Camp Mystic Faces Lawsuit: Leaders Allegedly Endangered Children by Prioritizing Equipment Over Safety During Flooding

Summer camps review safety plans after Texas flooding In response to a…
Uber Chicago news: New women-only Uber driver option becomes available in Chicago Wednesday

Chicago Welcomes Uber’s Women-Only Driver Feature Starting This Wednesday

Uber is introducing a new safety feature specifically designed for women, with…