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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Storm Newton

The unexpected link between weight loss drugs and alcohol-related hospital visits

  • A new analysis suggests that GLP-1 weight loss drugs, including Wegovy and Mounjaro , could significantly reduce alcohol -related hospital admissions.
  • The study, published in BMJ Open, analysed data from 40,703 individuals who began taking semaglutide or tirzepatide between January 2018 and December 2024.
  • GLP-1 drugs were associated with a 26 per cent lower risk of alcohol-related hospital admission compared to other diabetes medications.
  • Among those using the drugs for weight loss, the risk was 32 per cent lower, while for type 2 diabetics and obese individuals with alcohol problems, reductions were 63 per cent and 65 per cent respectively.
  • Researchers suggest a potential role for GLP-1 medications in alcohol use disorder, though experts note that further research is required, particularly given the observational nature of the study and the cost of the drugs.

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