Can diabetes and weight-loss drug Ozempic break addictions too?

Doctors are hearing anecdotal reports of reductions in drinking and smoking while taking Ozempic, but experts say that more research is needed, says Donna Lu

The rapid and controversial rise in popularity of  Semaglutides, such as Ozempic, has brought increasing reports from patients and doctors about the drug’s coincidental dampening of addictive or compulsive behaviours. File photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

When Sarah Bennett started taking semaglutide for weight loss last year, she noticed other unexpected changes in behaviour—like longstanding habits falling away without her consciously intending them to.

Semaglutide is commonly known as Ozempic, the brand name for the drug when prescribed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. Ozempic has been widely used off-label for weight loss.