Unexpected Medical Benefits of Ozempic: It’s Not Just Weight Loss

As part of my medical weight loss program Trimly, I often work with Ozempic and other semaglutide weight-loss drugs. The more these weight-loss drugs are used, the more we learn about them.

I discussed some of the unexpected health benefits of Ozempic and similar weight-loss drugs with Parade. Here are some key points from the article by Beth Ann Mayer.

The Surprising Health Advantage of Ozempic and Weight Loss Medications

To be clear, Ozempic, a semaglutide, is only FDA-approved for individuals with Type 2 diabetes, and is not approved for weight loss. However, another semaglutide, Wegovy, is approved for weight loss in individuals who are obese or overweight with certain conditions, such as high cholesterol.

Hollywood-hyped “fixes” for weight are a dime a dozen. That being said, experts share that semaglutide and a similar drug, tirzepatide (ZepboundandMounjaro), deserve attention. 

What Is a Hidden Benefit of Drugs Like Ozempic? 

We asked three experts, and all three brought up this one benefit: “Some individuals on semaglutide or tirzepatide report less interest in alcohol,” says Dr. Katherine H. Saunders, MD, DABOM, an obesity expert, co-founder of Intellihealth and a clinical assistant professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine.

One provider has had patients tell her that Dry January is now a 12-month affair. “Some have even stopped drinking altogether,” says Dr. Thais Aliabadi, MD, a board-certified OBGYN and CEO of weight loss treatment Trimly.

“It’s absolutely possible that certain GLP-1 receptor agonists could receive an FDA indication for alcohol use disorder or other forms of addiction,” Dr. Saunders says. “For this to happen, we need to prove efficacy and safety in clinical trials that are specifically designed to investigate these outcomes.”

Why Might Weight Loss and Diabetes Drugs Lower Alcohol Cravings?

“Semaglutide and tirzepatide enable people to have less interest in food,” Dr. Saunders says. “This can help with smaller portion sizes and healthier food choices. The pathways that lead to food cravings may overlap with the pathways that lead to alcohol cravings.”

Dr. Aliabadi also points to research that GLP-1 lowers dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in how we experience pleasure. 

“So, the motivation to eat more, drink more, or even smoke or shop is greatly reduced,” Dr. Aliabadi says. “Patients report that their appetite and cravings are reduced all around.”

Read the whole article from Parade.

Interested in medical weight loss? Talk to Dr. Aliabadi

Dr. Aliabadi and her friendly, professional team provide top-in-the-industry care to patients at all stages of life. Dr. Aliabadi is also a leading expert in treating medically related weight gain, PCOS, endometriosis, and other gynecological wellness conditions. Using weight loss drugs like Ozempic should always be carried out under the supervision of a medical professional.

Our medically supervised weight loss programs always place our patients’ safety and well-being first.

We invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment online or call us at (844) 863-6700.

The practice of Dr. Thais Aliabadi is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area. We are near Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.