What are the Potential Benefits of Semaglutide?
GLP-1 agonists, semaglutide and tirzepatide, help people lose weight, lower insulin resistance, and seem to have a host of other incredible effects on heart risk, diabetes risk, and others. Read our blogs on those benefits HERE.
But increasing research is indicating they may also help with addictions.
There are many anecdotal reports that people on these weight loss medications don’t have the desire to drink alcohol, smoke, shop (!!), or gamble like they did. There are splashy headlines, “Ozempic seems to curb cravings for alcohol. Here’s what scientists think is going on.” – NPR, Aug 2023. Reddit users report things like, “Got prescribed Ozempic, my gambling stopped!” or “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.”
There is increasing evidence that the GLP-1 agonists are involved in the brain chemistry of addiction. The thought is these medications may make addictive behaviors less rewarding. Another theory being researched at Penn State University is that addictions are started by the pleasure reward system AND the fear of negative feelings and side effects of withdrawal. GLP-1 agonists are potentially having an effect here.
There are published studies showing GLP-1 agonists help curb addictions:
- One study showed it reduced nicotine-seeking and hyperphagia during nicotine withdrawal.
- Another study showed GLP-1 agonists reduced drug-induced heroin seeking in drug-addicted rats.
- It is being tested in all sorts of other addictions: cocaine use disorder, fentanyl-seeking, and other addictions. One mechanism of why it is thought to be effective in weight loss is that semaglutide curbs the desire to eat.
The researchers at Penn State postulate that, “the brain sees the addiction as a physiological need — much like the need for food — and the GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide short circuit that association.” – Patricia Grigoson, in an interivew with Scientific American.
How Can Biohackr Health Help?
We are fans of semaglutide and tirzepatide. We have seen incredible results with our patients. We believe in our system:
- Checking vital signs and weights
- Lab testing when needed
- In-body scans to insure you are not losing muscle
- Adjunct treatments to help you be successful, and minimizing dosage to reduce side effects
- Use of semaglutide and tirzepatide to find which GLP-1 agonist works best for you.
- NAD
- Our special probiotic supplement, which aids in digestion and has bacterial strains to aid with insulin resistance and glucose management
- Experience
As we know more about these medications, the positive effects just keep coming. We will continue to educate you on them.
