The science of safety: adverse effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists as glucose-lowering and obesity medications
GLP-1 drugs have been used by large shares of adults who say they have been diagnosed with diabetes (57% have ever used the drug, including 45% who are currently using), heart disease (40% ever, 29% currently), or as obese or overweight in the past five years (34% ever, 23% currently)
A randomized trial found that low-dose semaglutide significantly decreased: The amount of alcohol consumed during laboratory self-administration tasks 22 Weekly alcohol cravings compared to placebo 22 Drinks per drinking day 22 The magnitude of these effects appears substantial, with medium to large effect sizes for grams of alcohol consumed (, 0.48) and peak breath alcohol concentration (, 0.46) 22
Check expiration dates when receiving new prescriptions, rotate stock to use older medication first, and set calendar reminders for in-use pen disposal (56 days for Ozempic, after single use for Wegovy)
Mindful eating practices increase your awareness of hunger and fullness cues, helping you make better food choices
Primary indication is diabetes management based on blood glucose criteria, not BMI