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
Photo of Prince Andrew, Virginia Giuffre, and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Prince Andrew Faces New Challenges: Epstein Video Allegedly Revealing Interaction with Virginia Scheduled for Release

FOOTAGE taken by paedophile Jeffrey Epstein which could show Prince Andrew with…
Pope Leo delivers first 'Regina Caeli' prayers from St. Peter's balcony

Pope Leo leads inaugural ‘Regina Caeli’ prayers from St. Peter’s balcony

Pope Leo XIV held his first “Regina Caeli” prayer at St. Peter’s…
Ed Miliband, Energy Secretary, leaving Downing Street.

Curry Restaurants at Risk Due to Ed Miliband’s Push for Net Zero, Which May Ban Use of Gas Ovens

CURRY houses may be wiped out by Ed Miliband’s dash to Net…
Barack Obama 'lucky' to have wife Michelle after squashing divorce rumors

Barack Obama Grateful for His Marriage to Michelle Amidst Divorce Speculations

Barack Obama gushed over his wife, Michelle Obama, in a sweet Mother’s…
Twin sisters achieve top honors at Stephenson High

Identical sisters earn top awards at Stephenson High School

Twin sisters Carissa and Aissa Swope claimed valedictorian and salutatorian titles at…
Before they name a 2028 nominee, Democrats will have to decide which state will weigh in first

Democrats Must Choose the First State for 2028 Nominee Selection Before Deciding_candidate

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Before they can name their next presidential…
Man dead after shooting on Jacksonville's Southside, police say

Police Report Fatal Shooting Incident on Jacksonville’s Southside

The victim was found with multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Jacksonville…
Edgewater shooting: Derrell Givens ID'd as 1 of 2 killed in Chicago shooting in 6300-block of North Broadway, officials say

Edgewater Shooting: Derrell Givens Among Two Fatalities Identified in North Broadway Incident in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — One of two men killed in a North Side…
Dems have abandoned men who just want to 'get laid and have fun'

Democrats Have Lost Touch with Men’s Desire for Casual Dating and Enjoyment

Some men just want to go Hogg-wild. David Hogg, vice chair of…
Aerial view of a North Korean destroyer at its launch ceremony.

Kim Jong-un’s New Flagship Destroyer, Equipped with Nuclear Missiles, Relies on Tugboats for Movement

DICTATOR Kim Jong Un’s terrifying naval destroyer that could potentially fire nuclear…
Ukraine War Russia Putin proposes direct peace talks after Trump initiative

Following Trump’s Initiative, Putin Suggests Direct Peace Negotiations in Ukraine Conflict

On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested engaging in direct negotiations with…
Detectives’ true crime podcast helps dig up breakthrough in case that haunted family: ‘drew audible gasp’

True Crime Podcast by Detectives Uncovers Crucial Breakthrough in Long-Haunting Case: ‘Astonishing Revelation’

What started as a way for a pair of two Illinois detectives…