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<\/p>\n\n Posted on: May 25, 2026, 12:21h.\u00a0\n <\/p>\n
\n Last updated on: May 25, 2026, 12:21h.\n <\/p>\n
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Doctors suspect GLP-1 medicines might help fight gambling disorders
\nResearchers say more data is needed before prescribing GLP-1 for gambling problems
\nHealth officials believe gambling problems are on the rise<\/p>\n
Gambling is more prevalent than ever. Health experts believe gambling addiction is, too.<\/p>\n
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GLP-1 semaglutide medications Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus are pictured. Early research suggests such weight-loss drugs could have positive effects on problem gambling. (Image: Shutterstock)<\/p>\n
The rise of sports betting, prediction markets, and sweepstakes casinos has made gambling easily accessible for nearly all US adults.<\/p>\n
The National Institute on Drug Abuse says the nation is facing a gambling crisis<\/a>. The Public Health Advocacy Institute thinks the country is \u201cin the early stages of a mental health and gambling addiction epidemic.\u201d<\/p>\n With concerns rampant about problem gambling, many are wondering if GLP-1 drugs, type 2 diabetes medications that have transformed into lifestyle-changing obesity treatments, might also be beneficial to gambling addicts.<\/p>\n Weight-loss medications like GLP-1s don\u2019t just affect hunger and metabolic dysfunction \u2014 they influence how the brain processes reward,\u201d said Dr. Ivania Rizo, an assistant professor of medicine at Boston University<\/a> who is also the director of obesity medicine at Boston Medical Center.<\/p>\n \u201cThese drugs act on areas in the brain, like the mesolimbic system, which is involved in feelings of pleasure and motivation. This system plays a role in cravings for food, but also for other rewarding behaviors like drinking alcohol, gambling, or even shopping. When these medications reduce food cravings, they might also dull the drive for other types of dependence-related behaviors. The medication turns down the \u2018reward\u2019 signals in the brain, not just for food, but for other temptations, too,\u201d Rizo said.<\/p>\n More Research Needed\u00a0<\/p>\n While GLP-1 agonists are showing promising results in combating gambling addictions, researchers say more data is needed before a weight-loss drug for problem gambling should be prescribed.<\/p>\n \u201cAt this time, we only have anecdotal evidence. Multiple, randomized controlled trials have been initiated to determine whether GLP-1 medicines have a therapeutic impact on these disorders,\u201d Rizo explained.<\/p>\n