A new pilot study conducted by researchers at the Virginia Tech Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and published in Scientific Reports suggests that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), commonly used in diabetes and obesity treatments, can also affect the absorption and perception of alcohol. The preliminary findings suggest that these medications could potentially be used to reduce alcohol consumption by modulating both physiological and perceptual effects of alcohol.
GLP-1RAs such as Semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide are known to reduce the blood glucose levels and promote weight loss. Previous research has indicated that these drugs could lower alcohol cravings and consumption, though the mechanism behind it was not well understood. The current study aimed to find out how GLP-1RAs affect alcohol pharmacokinetics, especially the rate at which alcohol enters the bloodstream and how it is experienced by the individual.
The study involved 20 adults with obesity. Ten participants had been using GLP-1RA drugs for more than 30 days, while the remaining 10 served as the control group. All participants consumed a standard dose of alcohol designed to increase the blood alcohol level to around 0.1 g/dL. Measurement of breath alcohol concentration, self-reported levels of intoxication, alcohol cravings, appetite, blood glucose, and nausea was then measured by the research team at multiple time intervals.
The results showed that those taking GLP-1RAs experienced a delayed rise in breath alcohol concentration and reported lower levels of intoxication during the first 20 minutes of alcohol consumption compared to the control group. This effect was not due to increased nausea since both groups reported similar nausea levels. Additionally, cumulative alcohol exposure, calculated as the area under the curve, was significantly lower in the GLP-1RA group, suggesting slower alcohol absorption, likely due to delayed gastric emptying caused by the medication.
Furthermore, participants on GLP-1RAs also reported reduced cravings to drink alcohol overall, which is consistent with previous studies that these drugs can diminish alcohol desire and suppress reward-related brain activity. Interestingly, alcohol intake increased appetite in the control group but not among GLP-1RA users, highlighting the appetite-suppressing effects of these medications. The two groups were comparable in terms of blood glucose levels. It was indicated that the differences observed were due to altered alcohol absorption and not glucose regulation.
This study provides the first direct human evidence that GLP-1RAs may blunt both the physical and psychological effects of alcohol through peripheral mechanisms. Slower metabolism of alcohol may lead to drinking less rewarding, which may help reduce alcohol consumption. These findings support the “rate hypothesis” in addiction science, which states that the slower a substance is observed, the less reinforcing it becomes.
Nevertheless, the authors indicate that this was a small, non-randomized, pilot study, which involved only 20 individuals, mostly women with obesity. The subjects were already on GLP-1RA therapy at the time of enrollment. The sample also comprised users of various GLP-1RA medications, some of which were compounded. As such, the results require confirmation through larger, randomized controlled trials to better understand whether the effects are centrally or peripherally mediated.
Given the rising prevalence of alcohol-related illnesses and a recent warning from the U.S. Surgeon General highlighting the carcinogenic risks of alcohol, even modest alcohol-reducing effects from widely prescribed drugs like GLP-1RAs could have substantial public health benefits. As these medications continue to gain popularity for treating metabolic and weight-related conditions, their broader impact on behaviors such as alcohol consumption warrants further exploration.
Reference: Quddos F, Fowler M, de Lima Bovo AC, et al. A preliminary study of the physiological and perceptual effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists during alcohol consumption in people with obesity. Sci Rep. 2025;15:32385. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-17927-w
