Many, if not most people, who take GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy lose weight. Others still are shedding pounds and punches.
A new study from researchers at Rutgers University suggests the drugs’ tendency to tamp down impulsive tendencies — like excess snacking or even drinking — might trickle down to violent behavior, too. The research was published in the journal Criminology.
Scientists looked at two factors known to be associated with physical aggression: impulsivity and alcohol. After poring over data from more than 7,500 adults across the United States, they narrowed their focus to the 821 folks who used a GLP-1 medication at least once. To compare current GLP-1 users with former users, the team asked participants about actions like fighting, assault and robbery.
They found that those who were currently on the medication had a much weaker link to impulsivity and violent behavior than those who had used GLP-1s in the past — 62% weaker, to be precise.
Researchers have a few theories for why that might be. They believe GLP-1s might work like kind of cognitive behavioral therapy, weakening the connection between impulse and action without getting rid of an individual’s impulses entirely.
Importantly, this study shows a link — not a cause-and-effect relationship between the drugs and the behaviors (or lack thereof). Further research studies are needed to determine whether GLP-1s could actually lower people’s risk of violence. For now, they’re still mostly prescribed for people with diabetes and those seeking to lose weight.
But we’re curious to see what these might drugs do next.