Ozempic: hope for gambling addiction

Already popular as a treatment for diabetes and obesity, Ozempic reveals an unexpected potential: that of acting on addictive disorders, including gambling addiction. American researchers suggest a measurable beneficial effect, paving the way for new therapeutic avenues.

Initially marketed to treat type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has become best known for its dramatic effects on weight loss. By mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, this drug acts on the metabolism, regulates blood sugar and reduces appetite. The feeling of satiety occurs more quickly, calorie consumption decreases, and the scales go down.

But recently, a series of studies suggest that its effects may not be limited to weight. According to a publication on the Boston University website, Ozempic may also influence addictive behaviours, particularly gambling addiction.

A measured reduction in the risk of addiction

In an American study conducted on the use of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, researchers observed a 13% decrease in the risk of addictive behaviour among users. Although this figure still needs to be confirmed by targeted clinical trials, it marks a first sign of effectiveness in an area where drug solutions remain limited.

Pietro Cottone, professor at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, explains:

‘We are convinced that these drugs could prove useful against a wide range of addictive disorders.’

How Ozempic acts on the addict’s brain

One of the mechanisms at play is the modulation of the brain’s reward system. Ozempic reduces dopaminergic activity in areas associated with pleasure and motivation, such as the mesolimbic system. This is the same circuit that fuels the quest for reward, whether it be food, drugs, alcohol or… gambling.

According to Valentina Sabino, professor of pharmacology and psychiatry in Boston:

‘By reducing the feeling of pleasure associated with certain actions, Ozempic diminishes the appeal of these risky behaviours.’

His colleague Ivania Rizo adds:

‘The drug acts on the same areas of the brain involved in compulsive eating, alcohol consumption, gambling and even compulsive shopping. This could explain the cross-cutting effect observed on addictions.’

Many patients have reported a decrease in their cravings, not only for food, but also for certain behaviours. These observations, although mostly anecdotal, have prompted more rigorous trials.

Several studies are currently underway to evaluate the effectiveness of semaglutide and other GLP-1 agonists on specific addictions such as alcoholism, drug addiction, and pathological gambling.

Side effects to watch out for

Despite this hope, healthcare professionals are calling for caution. Bart Van der Schueren, an endocrinologist at UZ Leuven in Belgium, remains sceptical. In an interview with De Standaard, he points out that the side effects of Ozempic are not insignificant:

‘There are frequent complaints of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, joint pain… It is premature to consider it as a treatment for addiction.’

Indeed, the study published in Nature Medicine mentions an increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders, hypotension and kidney problems. The risk-benefit balance must therefore be rigorously assessed before any off-label use becomes widespread.

But if the hypothesis is confirmed, Ozempic could mark a turning point in the treatment of behavioural addictions, which still lack truly effective treatments. Unlike chemical addictions (tobacco, alcohol, opioids), disorders such as compulsive gambling have few validated drug alternatives.

The prospect of being able to act at the very source of the impulse, the brain’s reward circuit, opens up new horizons for research. But this promise will have to stand the test of time and solid clinical data.