Ozempic Shows Potential in Treating a Broader Range of Conditions Beyond Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity
A recent study reinforces the potential of semaglutide, the active ingredient in medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, to aid in addiction treatment. Research indicates that individuals prescribed this medication for type 2 diabetes were significantly less likely to seek medical assistance for tobacco use compared to those on alternative diabetes treatments.
Semaglutide functions by mimicking a hormone that curbs appetite and helps manage blood sugar levels. Earlier studies have also associated it with decreased occurrences of cannabis use disorder and alcoholism.
To investigate the effect of semaglutide on tobacco addiction, researchers at Case Western Reserve University analyzed electronic health records of nearly 223,000 US diabetes patients battling tobacco addiction. Out of these, around 6,000 had been prescribed semaglutide, while the remainder were using one of seven other diabetes medications.
The team monitored whether these individuals consulted healthcare providers regarding tobacco use or obtained smoking cessation aids or counseling in the year following their medication initiation.
After adjusting for factors such as age, sex, race, and various health conditions, the study demonstrated that semaglutide users were, on average, less inclined to seek tobacco-related healthcare compared to those on other medications. This trend suggests a higher likelihood of success in quitting smoking among semaglutide users.
Specifically, semaglutide users were found to be 32 percent less likely to receive tobacco-related care than insulin users and 18 percent less likely compared to those taking metformin.
While it’s possible that semaglutide users may not necessarily have abstained from tobacco products, the study’s prior data indicates similar rates of seeking tobacco-related healthcare before starting diabetes medications. This hints at the potential effectiveness of semaglutide in assisting users with quitting smoking.
Although this study was not a randomized-controlled trial, the findings contribute to a growing body of evidence suggesting that semaglutide may influence brain activity related to rewards and cravings, possibly linking it to reduced tobacco dependency.
