Could Ozempic treat gambling addictions?
Key Takeaways
GLP-1 receptor agonists, known for weight loss, may have potential anti-addictive effects unrelated to food, such as gambling or compulsive shopping.
The GLP-1 system is involved in the neurobiology of addictive behaviors, possibly by reducing the reward associated with addictive behaviors or altering the brain's perception of physiological need.
While current evidence is largely anecdotal, there are reports of GLP-1 agonists helping curb a wide array of addictions—both substances and habits.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists like semaglutide have proven popular as part of the medical management of obesity. Dramatic weight loss results are common with the use of GLP-1s, but they can also come with side effects, such as nausea, “Ozempic breasts,” and others.
Related: Patients are complaining about 'Ozempic breasts'But not all of Ozempic's side effects are negative. One of the widely reported mechanisms of action is the curbing of food cravings. This has led many to speculate on whether GLP-1s could also curtail other addictions, such as gambling, that are seemingly unrelated to food or drink consumption.
GLP-1s and the neurobiology of addiction
Growing evidence has found that the GLP-1 system is involved in the neurobiology of addictive behaviors, and GLP-1 analogues are now being studied for their potential to curb drug and alcohol cravings.[]
A number of anecdotal reports have caused researchers to consider this potential for semaglutide and GLP-1 agonists to serve as anti-addictive agents as well as weight-loss agents.[] In addition to the effects of the GLP-1 system in the pancreas, recent research suggests that GLP-1 acts on other organ systems, including the brain, although it is still unclear whether GLP-1 made in the pancreas enters the brain or whether the effect is generated by GLP-1 produced in the brain itself.
The anti-addictive effect of GLP-1 may lie in its ability to make addictive behaviors less rewarding. However, another hypothesis, currently being tested by addiction researchers at Pennsylvania State University, is that addictive behaviors such as drug seeking are instigated as much by the reward system (pleasure) as by fear of the negative feelings and physical side effects that result from withdrawal.[]
“In this scenario, the brain sees the drug as a physiological need—much like the need for food—and GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide, short-circuit that association,” Patricia Sue Grigson, PhD, one of the Pennsylvania State researchers, noted in an interview with Scientific American.[]
Anecdotal reports: What Reddit users have to say
Currently, reports of the anti-addictive effects of GLP-1 agonists on addictive behaviors such as gambling and alcohol use disorder have been overwhelmingly anecdotal, with some gleaned from comments made by social media users. As one Reddit user (@usofmind) reported in April 2024: “Got prescribed Ozempic, my gambling stopped!”[]
Another Reddit user (@current-truth-4243) posted in July 2024: “Wegovy seems to curb my shopping. I don’t get excited or feel compelled to buy random stuff anymore. It’s like the drug has taken away the EMOTIONAL part of shopping.”[]
Other examples proliferate across social media, providing evidence that GLP-1s have the power to change addictive behaviors—related to food and to other addictive substances and habits—but further research is needed.
Fortunately, given both the significance of this potential effect and the surge in popularity of semaglutide drugs, there will no doubt be several trials underway soon. It will be worth staying abreast of the results, especially if GLP-1 agonists are on the path toward a new FDA-approved indication.
What this means for you
As a physician, it’s important to be aware of the potential broader impacts of GLP-1 agonists beyond weight management. While more research is needed, it may be worthwhile to monitor patients on these medications for changes in addictive behaviors unrelated to food. This emerging area of study could lead to new treatment options for various addictions in the future, potentially expanding the therapeutic applications of GLP-1 agonists.