Researcher(s)
- Sabrina Degnars, Biological Sciences, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Shannon Robson, , University of Delaware
Abstract
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Alcohol Consumption: A Systematic Review
Sabrina Degnars, Estella Sassani, Sarah Katz, MSLIS; Susmita Basnet, MS; Shannon Robson, PhD, MPH, RD
Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), established treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity, may also influence neural reward pathways involved in alcohol craving and consumption. With alcohol use disorder often difficult to treat, this mini systematic review, conducted as a learning exercise using a single bibliographic database, examined whether GLP-1 use among adults reduced alcohol craving, fewer heavy drinking days, and lower overall alcohol intake.
Methods: Guided by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, PubMed was searched using the following MeSH term combinations, “Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists” and individual GLP-1 medication names and “alcohol-related disorders” or “alcoholism” or “binge drinking.” Eligible studies included adults ages 18 years or older who were using a GLP-1 and included at least one alcohol-related outcome (cravings, consumption, heavy drinking days). Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts according to predefined eligibility criteria. Disagreements were resolved through discussion by a third reviewer. Data extracted included study purpose, participant characteristics, GLP-1 type, and the assessment measure and associated data for alcohol-related outcomes.
Results: The search identified 270 records. After title and abstract screening, 49 articles underwent full-text review, of which 21 met the inclusion criteria. Included studies evaluated multiple GLP-1s across varied adult populations and study designs.
Conclusion: GLP-1s show promise for reducing alcohol-related outcomes, but current evidence remains preliminary. Larger, well-powered randomized trials with longer follow-up are needed to determine whether GLP-1s can be safe and effective to reduce alcohol intake.