Study suggests GLP-1 weight loss drugs may help reduce addiction risk

(ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A new study suggests popular weight-loss medications may also help treat addiction.

Researchers analyzed nearly three years of health records from more than 600,000 veterans with Type 2 diabetes. The patients were treated with either GLP-1 receptor agonists or another type of diabetes medication.

The study found that patients who took GLP-1 medications were less likely to develop substance-use disorders compared to those who took other medications.

Researchers also found that patients already diagnosed with a substance-use disorder were less likely to experience severe outcomes — including drug overdoses — if they were taking GLP-1 medications.

Scientists say the findings suggest the drugs may have potential benefits beyond weight loss and diabetes treatment, though more research is needed to confirm their impact on addiction.