GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce substance use disorder: a role for addiction to chemsex drugs? 6 March 2026. Related: Special reports, Side effects, Coinfections and complications. When i-Base reported several GLP-1 studies in people living with HIV from CROI 2024, we included a discussion about whether anecdotal reports of breaking the dopamine reward pathway associated with reduced craving for food might help reduce dependence on chemsex drugs which currently have no effective treatment to support and manage withdrawal. Mixed results have been reported though in several other studies. A new paper in the BMJ from a large observational database study now adds substantial data to this potential benefit for use in substance use disorder (SUD). This study involved more than 680,000 veterans with diabetes (mean age 65 years, 90% male, 80% white) who received their care in the large US Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare programme and who were treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists in two protocols.
600,000 people without SUD at baseline in separate emulated studies for each substance. 81,000 people with existing SUD who used GLP-1 receptor agonists or SGLT-2 inhibitors. GLP-1 RAs were used by approximately 25% of participants in each study. The results showed a clear and consistent reduction in the use of cannabis, cocaine, nicotine, opioid and other substances, together with reduced hospital visits, mortality and suicide. Median follow-up was 3 years (IQR: 2.26 to 3.00), with more than 1,353,000 person-years of follow up. Adherence analyses also supported the direction of this effect. An accompanying editorial stressed the impact on reducing risk in people with existing SUD. Also important, is how few people are able to maintain GLP-1 RA treatment. 80% doses without more than a 60-day period without treatment. Switching between GLP-1 RAs was allowed and was common (approx 20%), perhaps reflecting active management. Results included that only about 50% were categorised as having optimal adherence and that less than 1 in 4 were still taking these drugs after 12 months. These data support pilot studies to see whether GLP-1 agonists could have a similar protective role in other substance use disorders that affect people living with HIV and other marginalised communities. This includes to break the use and need for chemsex drugs that include methamphetamine (crystal/crystal meth/Tina/meth), mephedrone (meph) and GHB/GBL (G, Gina). Please see the open-access paper for full details. 1. CROI 2024: MedicGLP Official HIV studies with semaglutide: significant benefits but limited access for treatment and research. 2. Semaglutide reduces alcohol and cigarette use in a randomised phase 2 study. 3. Cai M et al. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and risk of substance use disorders among US veterans with type 2 diabetes: cohort study. 4. Xie L et al. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Switching and Treatment Persistencein Adults Without Diabetes.
Science continues to prove that the old adage "you are what you eat" is profoundly true. This is because you have trillions of microorganisms living in your gut, which are directly responsible for MedicGLP Online nearly every aspect of your health. These microbes make up what’s called your "gut microbiota." They are especially influential in determining your likelihood of gaining excessive weight, becoming obese, and developing obesity-related diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and premature death. The gut microbiome (the expressed genes of your gut microbiota) plays a major role in your metabolism through energy production, storage, and expenditure. So, it’s no surprise that science has found a strong connection between gut microbiome imbalance and metabolic syndrome. Yikes! If you have the wrong mix of microbes, it could be making it tough for you to get your health on track! Did you know: Scientists can actually look at your gut microbiome composition and tell with 90% accuracy if you are obese or lean. That’s pretty impressive, isn’t it?
1. Unable to lose weight and keep it off? 2. Struggling to fight cravings? 3. Sick of starving yourself for weight loss? 4. Baffled as to why no diet seems to really work for you? Depending on the composition of your gut microbiome, your microbes can either boost your health or weigh you down (figuratively and literally). The good news is this: You have control over these little guys with every bite you eat. Diet has the power to change the landscape of your gut microbiome. So, if you’ve tried multiple diets and can’t seem to get the results you want, it’s time to look into your gut microbiome.Will You Lose Weight Naturally on an Individualized Diet? If you’ve been struggling to lose weight and keep it off - it could be your gut microbiome. While Viome doesn’t guarantee weight loss, it has been an exciting result many of our customers have reported. "Fiona’s update day 37!