Weight loss jabs may reduce alcohol consumption, study finds

People taking weight loss medication reported drinking less often and having reduced cravings for alcohol, a new study has found.

The study from insight consultancy KAM, in partnership with the UK charity Drinkaware, found that people taking weight loss jabs reported a 29% reduction in drinking frequency, with alcohol consumption falling from 3.1 days per week to 2.2 days per week.

The research also found that average alcohol consumption fell 16% from 4.3 to 3.6 units per week.

And the report also found that respondents saved money, spending 22% less on alcohol for home consumption per week and 30% less on alcohol in bars, restaurants or pubs per trip.

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The data is based on results from an online survey carried out in February 2026 with a nationally representative sample of 1,000 UK adults, with additional questions asked of 207 UK adults who were either currently taking or had previously taken GLP-1 medication.

The research suggests that not only did people on weight-loss drugs to drink less, but that the GLP-1 medications affected how people experienced alcohol.

About a third (34%) of respondents reported a reduced craving for alcohol while taking the medication, while 22% say they felt the effects of alcohol more quickly and 18% experienced discomfort such as nausea when drinking.

Around a quarter (26%) of users said drinking less happened naturally ‘without much thought’, but 45% reported having to consciously manage their alcohol consumption.

The report noted that lighter drinks, smaller portions, and alcohol-free alternatives had become more appealing for many users, and there seemed to be a tendency to move away from richer, creamier and carbonated drinks.

Annabelle Bonus, director of research, impact and strategy at Drinkaware, said the report added to growing evidence of a shift towards moderation in the UK, as drinking behaviours continue to evolve alongside the rise of GLP-1 medications.

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‘This appears to be driven largely by intentional decisions around health and wellbeing rather than by side effects alone,’ she added.

The study also found that some people not on weight-loss drugs reported that their own choices had been influenced when socialising with someone on GLP-1 medication.

Of the respondents not on GLP-1 medications who knew someone on weight loss drugs, 30% said they drank less alcohol around them; 20% were socialising in a different way such as opting for coffee or food-led occasions; and 16% said they were more likely to choose non-alcoholic or low-alcohol options.

One-in-ten even said this extended beyond shared occasions, affecting how much they drank even when they were not with that person.

Ms Bonus added: ‘Hospitality and drinks businesses can play an important role in supporting and responding to this shift.

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‘These changes would not only cater to people using GLP-1 drugs but could normalise and promote moderation for a much larger group of people who are, or could benefit from, drinking less.’

Another study published on 4 March found that starting a GLP-1 drug was associated with an overall 14% reduced risk of developing new substance use disorders – including alcohol.