Weight Loss & Diabetes Drug Semaglutide May Also Help You Quit Smoking

Semaglutide may reduce the need for medical care related to smoking in people with type 2 diabetes, indicating its potential as a smoking cessation aid, as detailed in a study from the Annals of Internal Medicine.

New use of semaglutide was associated with a lower risk for medical care related to tobacco use disorder (TUD) in smokers with type 2 diabetes compared with 7 other anti-diabetes medications. Those who used semaglutide were less likely to have a medical encounter that included a diagnosis of TUD, prescribing of smoking cessation medication, or smoking cessation counseling during the study timeframe. These findings suggest the need for clinical trials to evaluate semaglutide’s potential for use in smoking cessation. The study was published today (July 29) in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Semaglutide, available under the brand names Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, is a medication originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes by mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Its effects extend beyond diabetes management, significantly reducing appetite and food intake, which contributes to weight loss. This makes semaglutide an effective tool for individuals looking to manage both diabetes and obesity.