Ask the author session

Could the same medication used for weight loss and diabetes provide a new path for those struggling with alcohol use disorder?

In a compelling new “Ask the Author” session, Professor Fink-Jensen from the Mental Health Institute in Copenhagen joins us to discuss a groundbreaking study: “Once-weekly semaglutide versus placebo in patients with alcohol use disorder and comorbid obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial“

👉 You can watch the full interview on our website—don’t miss it.

The Intersection of Obesity and Alcohol Use

The study addresses a critical gap in clinical care for patients with MetALD—those who navigate both obesity and high alcohol consumption. Professor Fink-Jensen notes that over 20% of individuals with a BMI over 30 also engage in high-risk alcohol use, highlighting an urgent need for targeted therapeutic interventions.

Inside the 26-Week Trial

Led by first author Dr. Mette Kruse Klausen, the research team conducted a rigorous six-month study involving treatment-seeking participants with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder and a BMI of 30 or higher. Every participant received cognitive-based psychotherapy, while half were randomized to receive 2.4 mg of once-weekly semaglutide and the other half received a placebo.

The trial’s methodology was particularly unique: because matching placebo pens were unavailable, the team had to ensure the double-blind design by blindfolding participants and providing headphones with music during their weekly hospital visits for injections.ease.

Remarkable Results

The findings, published in this recent trial, are highly promising for the future of addiction medicine:

  • A Significant Drop in Heavy Drinking: The primary endpoint was a reduction in “heavy drinking days” (defined as four units/day for women or five for men).
  • 50% Lower Consumption: While both groups saw improvements, those on semaglutide dropped from an average of 17 heavy drinking days per month to just five—a 50% lower value compared to the placebo group.
  • Reward Center Impact: Professor Fink-Jensen explains that previous brain imaging research with first-generation GLP-1 agonists (exenatide) showed changes in the brain’s reward center when exposed to alcohol cues, specifically in participants with a BMI over 30.

Why You Should Watch the Full Interview

Is it time to start using GLP-1 agonists for alcohol use disorder in clinical practice? While the data is strongest for patients with a BMI above 30, this trial opens new perspectives on treating the comorbid population of MetALD patients.

Watch the full video interview to hear Professor Fink-Jensen dive deeper into the clinical management of these patients, the safety profile of the medication, and what this means for the future of treatment.

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