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Study · Systematic review · 2025

16 results

The effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) on alcohol-related outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sinha B, Ghosal S

Addiction science & clinical practice5 Dec 2025Cited by 4 (Europe PMC)

PMID41350683 (opens in a new tab)PMCIDPMC12805745 (opens in a new tab)DOI10.1186/s13722-025-00637-z (opens in a new tab)PepBankPUB-41350683
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Summary

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on alcohol-related outcomes in adults with or without alcohol use disorder (AUD).MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to May 3, 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies assessing GLP-1RAs (e.g., Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Exenatide, and Dulaglutide) versus placebo, no treatment, or other interventions in adults. Outcomes were alcohol consumption (defined as total intake or drinks per drinking day, measured as standardised mean difference [SMD]), alcohol craving (SMD), and alcohol-related events (hazard ratio [HR]). Random-effects models with Restricted Maximum Likelihood estimation and Hartung-Knapp adjustment were used. Separate AUD and SUD meta-analyses addressed outcome heterogeneity, with intoxication reported narratively.ResultsThree RCTs (N = 430) and six observational studies (N = 2,740,207) were included. RCTs showed non-significant reductions in alcohol consumption (SMD: -0.24, 95% CI: -0.70, 0.23), drinks per drinking day (SMD: -0.23, 95% CI: -0.64, 0.19), and craving (SMD: -0.14, 95% CI: -2.84, 2.55), with Semaglutide showing greater craving reduction (p = 0.024). Observational studies showed reduced alcohol-related events (HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.59-0.69, p < 0.001), with separate analyses confirming effects for AUD (HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.63-0.70) and SUD (HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.18-2.48), and intoxication (HR: 0.50). Semaglutide and GIP/GLP-1RAs had more potent effects (p < 0.001).ConclusionObservational studies suggest a decrease in alcohol-related events, but RCTs have effects on alcohol consumption and craving that remain non-significant. Larger RCTs are needed.Prospero idCRD420251045294.
CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study16

2 results from studies that gave the peptide. 2 results from people.

  1. 01HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults in RCTs, semaglutide showed a greater reduction in alcohol craving (p = 0.024); the abstract does not name the comparison.

    In plain wordsIn adults in randomised trials, semaglutide was linked to a larger drop in alcohol craving. The abstract does not state the comparison.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseAlcohol craving reduction with semaglutide (RCTs)
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Measurements

    p value
    0.024
    craving reduction, semaglutide

    Source sentences

    Summary
    with Semaglutide showing greater craving reduction (p = 0.024).
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Three RCTs (N = 430) and six observational studies (N = 2,740,207) were included.
  2. 02HumanSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults, semaglutide had more potent effects on alcohol outcomes in subgroup analyses (p < 0.001), as did GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists; the abstract does not name the comparison.

    In plain wordsIn adults, semaglutide had stronger effects on alcohol outcomes in subgroup analyses. The abstract does not state the comparison.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    Direction not reportedAlcohol outcomes, potency of semaglutide
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Measurements

    p value
    < 0.001
    potency of effects

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Semaglutide and GIP/GLP-1RAs had more potent effects (p < 0.001).
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Three RCTs (N = 430) and six observational studies (N = 2,740,207) were included.

Studies that did not test the peptide alone14

In this study, the peptide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking the peptide.

  1. 03HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults in observational studies, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists (including liraglutide) were linked to fewer alcohol-related events.

    In plain wordsIn adults, use of GLP-1 drugs as a group was linked to fewer alcohol-related events in observational studies.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseAlcohol-related events (observational studies)
    Study

    n = 2,740,207

    Comparator
    Placebo, no treatment or other interventions
    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Measurements

    HR
    0.64 HR
    alcohol-related events

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Observational studies showed reduced alcohol-related events (HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.59-0.69, p < 0.001)
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Three RCTs (N = 430) and six observational studies (N = 2,740,207) were included.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  2. 04HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults in observational studies, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists (including semaglutide) were linked to fewer alcohol-related events.

    In plain wordsIn adults, use of GLP-1 drugs as a group was linked to fewer alcohol-related events in observational studies.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseAlcohol-related events (observational studies)
    Study

    n = 2,740,207

    Comparator
    Placebo, no treatment or other interventions
    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Measurements

    HR
    0.64 HR
    alcohol-related events

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Observational studies showed reduced alcohol-related events (HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.59-0.69, p < 0.001)
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Three RCTs (N = 430) and six observational studies (N = 2,740,207) were included.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

  3. 05HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists (including liraglutide) gave a non-significant reduction in alcohol consumption in RCTs.

    In plain wordsIn adults, GLP-1 drugs as a group did not clearly reduce alcohol intake in randomised trials.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    No significant changeAlcohol consumption (RCTs)
    Study

    n = 430

    Comparator
    Placebo, no treatment or other interventions
    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Measurements

    SMD
    −0.24 SMD
    alcohol consumption, RCTs

    Source sentences

    Summary
    RCTs showed non-significant reductions in alcohol consumption (SMD: -0.24, 95% CI: -0.70, 0.23)
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Three RCTs (N = 430) and six observational studies (N = 2,740,207) were included.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  4. 06HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists (including semaglutide) gave a non-significant reduction in alcohol consumption in RCTs.

    In plain wordsIn adults, GLP-1 drugs as a group did not clearly reduce alcohol intake in randomised trials.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    No significant changeAlcohol consumption (RCTs)
    Study

    n = 430

    Comparator
    Placebo, no treatment or other interventions
    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Measurements

    SMD
    −0.24 SMD
    alcohol consumption, RCTs

    Source sentences

    Summary
    RCTs showed non-significant reductions in alcohol consumption (SMD: -0.24, 95% CI: -0.70, 0.23)
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Three RCTs (N = 430) and six observational studies (N = 2,740,207) were included.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

  5. 07HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists (including liraglutide) gave a non-significant reduction in drinks per drinking day in RCTs.

    In plain wordsIn adults, GLP-1 drugs as a group did not clearly reduce drinks per drinking day in randomised trials.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    No significant changeDrinks per drinking day (RCTs)
    Study

    n = 430

    Comparator
    Placebo, no treatment or other interventions
    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Measurements

    SMD
    −0.23 SMD
    drinks per drinking day, RCTs

    Source sentences

    Summary
    drinks per drinking day (SMD: -0.23, 95% CI: -0.64, 0.19)
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Three RCTs (N = 430) and six observational studies (N = 2,740,207) were included.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  6. 08HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists (including semaglutide) gave a non-significant reduction in drinks per drinking day in RCTs.

    In plain wordsIn adults, GLP-1 drugs as a group did not clearly reduce drinks per drinking day in randomised trials.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    No significant changeDrinks per drinking day (RCTs)
    Study

    n = 430

    Comparator
    Placebo, no treatment or other interventions
    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Measurements

    SMD
    −0.23 SMD
    drinks per drinking day, RCTs

    Source sentences

    Summary
    drinks per drinking day (SMD: -0.23, 95% CI: -0.64, 0.19)
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Three RCTs (N = 430) and six observational studies (N = 2,740,207) were included.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

  7. 09HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists (including liraglutide) gave a non-significant reduction in alcohol craving in RCTs.

    In plain wordsIn adults, GLP-1 drugs as a group did not clearly reduce alcohol craving in randomised trials.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    No significant changeAlcohol craving (RCTs)
    Study

    n = 430

    Comparator
    Placebo, no treatment or other interventions
    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Measurements

    SMD
    −0.14 SMD
    craving, RCTs

    Source sentences

    Summary
    and craving (SMD: -0.14, 95% CI: -2.84, 2.55)
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Three RCTs (N = 430) and six observational studies (N = 2,740,207) were included.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  8. 10HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists (including semaglutide) gave a non-significant reduction in alcohol craving in RCTs.

    In plain wordsIn adults, GLP-1 drugs as a group did not clearly reduce alcohol craving in randomised trials.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    No significant changeAlcohol craving (RCTs)
    Study

    n = 430

    Comparator
    Placebo, no treatment or other interventions
    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Measurements

    SMD
    −0.14 SMD
    craving, RCTs

    Source sentences

    Summary
    and craving (SMD: -0.14, 95% CI: -2.84, 2.55)
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Three RCTs (N = 430) and six observational studies (N = 2,740,207) were included.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

  9. 11HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with alcohol use disorder in observational studies, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists (including liraglutide) were linked to fewer alcohol-related events.

    In plain wordsIn adults with alcohol use disorder, GLP-1 drugs as a group were linked to fewer alcohol-related events.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseAlcohol-related events in alcohol use disorder
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Comparator
    Placebo, no treatment or other interventions
    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Measurements

    HR
    0.66 HR
    AUD

    Source sentences

    Summary
    AUD (HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.63-0.70)
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Three RCTs (N = 430) and six observational studies (N = 2,740,207) were included.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  10. 12HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with alcohol use disorder in observational studies, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists (including semaglutide) were linked to fewer alcohol-related events.

    In plain wordsIn adults with alcohol use disorder, GLP-1 drugs as a group were linked to fewer alcohol-related events.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseAlcohol-related events in alcohol use disorder
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Comparator
    Placebo, no treatment or other interventions
    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Measurements

    HR
    0.66 HR
    AUD

    Source sentences

    Summary
    AUD (HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.63-0.70)
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Three RCTs (N = 430) and six observational studies (N = 2,740,207) were included.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

  11. 13HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with substance use disorder in observational studies, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists (including liraglutide) gave a hazard ratio of 0.66 with a wide interval that includes no effect.

    In plain wordsIn adults with substance use disorder, the result for GLP-1 drugs as a group was too uncertain to show a clear effect.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    No significant changeAlcohol-related events in substance use disorder
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Comparator
    Placebo, no treatment or other interventions
    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Measurements

    HR
    0.66 HR
    SUD

    Source sentences

    Summary
    SUD (HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.18-2.48)
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Three RCTs (N = 430) and six observational studies (N = 2,740,207) were included.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  12. 14HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults with substance use disorder in observational studies, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists (including semaglutide) gave a hazard ratio of 0.66 with a wide interval that includes no effect.

    In plain wordsIn adults with substance use disorder, the result for GLP-1 drugs as a group was too uncertain to show a clear effect.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    No significant changeAlcohol-related events in substance use disorder
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Comparator
    Placebo, no treatment or other interventions
    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Measurements

    HR
    0.66 HR
    SUD

    Source sentences

    Summary
    SUD (HR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.18-2.48)
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Three RCTs (N = 430) and six observational studies (N = 2,740,207) were included.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

  13. 15HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults in observational studies, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists (including liraglutide) were linked to a lower hazard of intoxication (HR 0.50).

    In plain wordsIn adults, GLP-1 drugs as a group were linked to less alcohol intoxication in observational studies.

    Peptide
    Liraglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseIntoxication
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Comparator
    Placebo, no treatment or other interventions
    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Measurements

    HR
    0.5 HR
    intoxication

    Source sentences

    Summary
    and intoxication (HR: 0.50).
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Three RCTs (N = 430) and six observational studies (N = 2,740,207) were included.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  14. 16HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome

    In adults in observational studies, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists (including semaglutide) were linked to a lower hazard of intoxication (HR 0.50).

    In plain wordsIn adults, GLP-1 drugs as a group were linked to less alcohol intoxication in observational studies.

    Peptide
    Semaglutide
    Outcome
    DecreaseIntoxication
    Study

    n: not reported in source

    Comparator
    Placebo, no treatment or other interventions
    Outcome group
    Addiction, withdrawal and alcohol intake · Mental health and mood

    Measurements

    HR
    0.5 HR
    intoxication

    Source sentences

    Summary
    and intoxication (HR: 0.50).
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    Three RCTs (N = 430) and six observational studies (N = 2,740,207) were included.

    In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

  1. Version 4Current

    12 Oct 2026, 11:11 UTC

    Study results updated

  2. Versions 2 to 3

    9 Oct 2026, 03:07 UTC

    The same notice was added 2 times, first on 9 Oct 2026, 03:06 UTC. The status did not change between them.

    Study data updated · source update from Europe PMC

  3. Version 1

    9 Oct 2026, 03:05 UTC

    First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

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