New Generation Obesity Drugs Dramatically Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Kathmandu. New generation drugs used to reduce obesity are also bringing dramatic changes in people's drinking habits. BBC has reported that users of drugs like 'Ozempic', 'Wegovy', and 'Mounjaro' are experiencing reduced alcohol cravings along with weight loss. Lisa Reece, 46, from South Wales, started the medication in April to lose weight. Previously drinking up to two bottles of wine a night, she is now unable to drink 'even a drop after two glasses'. She described this as the drug's best 'side effect'. According to her, she used to drink 6 to 8 bottles of wine a week, but now her consumption has decreased by more than half.

According to scientists, these drugs mimic a natural hormone called 'GLP-1' in the body, which not only suppresses appetite but also affects the brain's 'reward response'. This reduces cravings for substances like alcohol and nicotine, researchers say. A study published in 2025 found that individuals taking 'Ozempic' had reduced alcohol cravings, according to Dr. Christian Henderschott of the University of South Carolina. Similarly, another recently published study from the University of Colorado Anschutz also showed that such drugs reduced the number of days of excessive alcohol consumption.