Semaglutide cuts heavy drinking in alcohol use disorder with obesity

This trial provides the first randomised evidence that once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg reduces alcohol consumption in treatment-seeking patients with alcohol use disorder and comorbid obesity, expanding the potential role of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in addiction pharmacotherapy.

📅 Journal publication: May 2, 2026 · Last updated: Jul 18, 2026

semaglutideGLP-1 receptor agonistalcohol use disorderobesityaddiction medicinerandomised controlled trialheavy drinking daysphosphatidyl ethanolweight loss Behavioral Health / Addiction Medicine

Background Information

Semaglutide reduces alcohol intake in comorbid obesity.

Addressing alcohol use disorder alongside obesity can improve health outcomes; semaglutide may offer dual benefits. Participants receiving semaglutide showed a significant reduction in alcohol consumption and heavy drinking days compared to placebo over 26 weeks. This study supports the potential use of semaglutide for patients with alcohol use disorder and comorbid obesity; however, further research is needed for broader application. Semaglutide may reduce alcohol intake in patients with alcohol use disorder and obesity.

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Authors: Klausen MK, Justesen SK, Pedersen JN, Rasmussen L, Jensen A, Jensen ME, Knorr UB, Bergmann ML, Holst JJ, Hartmann B, Koob GF, Benveniste H, Volkow ND, Ekstrøm CT, Knudsen GM, Vilsbøll T, Fink-Jensen A

Citation: Klausen MK, Justesen SK, Pedersen JN, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide versus placebo in patients with alcohol use disorder and comorbid obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet (London, England). 2026;407(10540):1687-1698. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(26)00305-3

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI

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Executive Summary

Study Design

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