Largest study yet confirms that weight loss jabs can prevent and treat addiction

Credit: PA Wire/James Manning

By Emma Wilkinson

Weight loss jabs, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide may help reduce the risk of addiction to a range of substances including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, nicotine, and opioids, a large US study has concluded.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists may also reduce the risk of death, overdose and hospital admission for patients with an existing substance use disorder, the analysis found.