Millions of Americans smoke cigarettes and e-cigarettes, which can cause many serious and even fatal conditions. Although the number of smokers is decreasing, many still smoke and require support in reducing or quitting. New findings suggest that weight loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic can help people quit smoking.
Ozempic and its many uses
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a medication approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide is also available as Wegovy, which is approved as a weight-loss drug.[1]
A similar medication, tirzepatide, is available as Mounjaro, approved for treating type 2 diabetes, and Zepbound, approved for weight management.[2]
All of these medications are increasingly being used to help people consistently lose weight, being shown to help achieve up to 21% loss of total body weight. These drugs are intended for use in people with diabetes or weight-related health conditions but are also being used by celebrities for rapid weight loss.[2][3]
Smoking statistics in the US
According to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 11.5% of US adults aged 18 and over (28.3 million) currently smoke cigarettes. This figure has steadily declined since 2005, from 20.9% of the population. [4]
Cigarette smoking is found to be significantly more common among people with disabilities or mental health issues, highlighting the complexity of managing these issues.[4][5]
Currently, 4.5% of US adults smoke electronic cigarettes (vapes, e-cigarettes), with the highest percentage among those aged 18-24 (11%). Some people, 1.3% of the population, smoke both cigarettes and e-cigarettes.[6]
Among all preventable diseases, disabilities, and deaths in the US, cigarette smoking is the leading cause, contributing to 20% of all deaths, equating to 480,000 per year.[4]
E-cigarettes may cause fewer risks than cigarettes but also contribute to increased risks of heart and lung diseases.[7]
Related: Nicotine Overdose
How can Ozempic help?
Some people taking Ozempic have reported reduced cravings for nicotine, helping them to quit smoking. Although the current research is limited, scientists have begun to investigate this effect.
One study has looked at this, involving almost 223,000 participants with type 2 diabetes and nicotine addiction. Of these participants, just under 6000 people were prescribed semaglutide (Ozempic), while the others were given one of seven other diabetes medications, including insulin and metformin.
The study found that people taking semaglutide were significantly less likely to seek professional support to quit smoking, including cessation prescriptions and counseling. Compared to the other groups, the semaglutide group were: [8]
- 32% less likely to seek treatment than the insulin group
- 24% less likely than the sulfonylureas group
- 18% less likely than the metformin group
- 12% less likely than the tirzepatide group
This suggests that the medication could reduce the desire to smoke without the need for professional intervention. These findings also indicate that tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may also be somewhat effective at reducing smoking cravings.
These medications, glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1s), target receptors in the brain to create their appetite-suppressing effects. It is thought that the effect of GLP-1s in the brain also impacts dopamine release.[9]
Dopamine is involved in the brain’s reward circuit and is significant in the development of addiction. By reducing dopamine release caused by nicotine, these drugs can help reduce smoking cravings and urges.
Further research is required to better understand these effects and how well these drugs can impact nicotine addiction.
Other things Ozempic can help with
Ozempic and similar medications are increasingly being found to have additional effects. According to scientific studies and reports from people using these medications, Ozempic and other weight loss drugs can help with:
- Increasing fertility: The weight-loss effects of these drugs contribute to improved metabolic health. This means that fertility and hormonal issues caused by obesity are improved, thus reinstating regular menstruation and ovulation and increasing fertility. [10]
- PCOS: Similarly, people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) experience hormonal imbalances and difficulties with weight management due to insulin resistance. As such, drugs like Ozempic can help reduce these symptoms. [11]
- Overcoming addiction: People using Ozempic are reportedly finding reduced cravings for things other than food, including alcohol, caffeine, illicit substances, and obsessive or compulsive habits and thoughts. This is thought to be due to changes in the brain’s reward center caused by the drug. [12]
However, the use of drugs like Ozempic does come with risks, such as: [1][2]
- Ozempic face: ‘Ozempic face’ is a term used to describe the noticeable changes in appearance that can occur in those using these types of medications. Rapid weight loss caused by these drugs can result in a gaunt or sunken look to the face, loose and thin skin, and rapid increases in wrinkles and aging.
- Vomiting and diarrhea: Particularly in the first few weeks of use, these drugs can cause nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can have severe consequences if not managed.
- Inadequate nutrition
- Mood and behavior changes
- Increased risk of pancreas, gallbladder, or kidney problems
It is advised to seek professional advice before starting and stopping these medications, to ensure safe use and monitoring during treatment.
