By Dr. David LaMond, Medical Director, Blue Sky MD
If you struggle with binge eating or find yourself drinking more than you’d like, you’re not alone—and there may be new help on the horizon.
At Blue Sky MD, we’ve seen firsthand how certain medications originally designed for weight loss—called GLP-1 receptor agonists (like semaglutide and liraglutide)—are also helping patients gain control over cravings, reduce emotional eating, and even cut back on alcohol.
But how does it work?
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda were first developed to treat diabetes and obesity. They work by:
- Helping you feel full faster
- Slowing how quickly your stomach empties
- Reducing hunger and cravings
But here’s something interesting: these medications also act on parts of the brain involved in reward and impulse control. That’s why they may help people who binge eat—or even those trying to stop drinking.
GLP-1s and Binge Eating
Binge eating isn’t just about willpower—it’s often tied to how your brain responds to stress, emotions, and food rewards.
Recent studies show that GLP-1 medications have a multitude of benefits, especially when it comes to weight loss and binge eating:
- Reduce the number of binge episodes
- Decrease cravings for high-calorie or sugary foods
- Help with weight loss and self-control
For many patients, these changes lead to better health and a stronger sense of control over their eating habits.
GLP-1s and Alcohol Use
Emerging research also suggests that GLP-1s may reduce alcohol cravings and consumption. In early studies:
- Patients using GLP-1 medications drank less alcohol
- Some reported feeling fewer urges to drink
- The effects were most noticeable in people who also had weight or blood sugar issues
While more research is underway, the early results are promising—and many patients are already experiencing benefits.
Are GLP-1s Right for You?
GLP-1 medications are not yet FDA-approved for binge eating or alcohol use, but we may consider them as part of a broader treatment plan—especially if you:
- Have struggled with weight gain, food addiction, or alcohol use
- Have obesity, insulin resistance, or pre-diabetes
- Are looking for new tools to support your recovery or behavior change
At Blue Sky MD, we take a whole-person approach to health. That means combining medical therapy with coaching, nutrition, and behavioral support—so you can feel in control again.
Get the Support You Need at Blue Sky MD
If binge eating or alcohol use is affecting your health and happiness, you deserve support—and there are new tools available. GLP-1 medications might be one piece of the puzzle.
As a renowned medical weight loss and hormone replacement therapy program in North Carolina, we can help you get to the bottom of your binge eating and/or weight issues and offer support, guidance, and expertise to help you find a solution.
Start with our free online health assessment to see if you qualify for GLP-1 medications and let’s talk about your goals and create a plan that works for you.
While not FDA-approved for eating disorders at the moment, we’ve seen good evidence that GLP-1 can help prevent binge-eating disorders by reducing those cravings that can lead us to regularly overindulge.
Contact us to learn more about how GLP-1 medications can help.
GLP-1 agonist medications (like Ozempic, WeGovy, etc) do reduce hunger cravings through the small intestine. Ultimately, this makes us feel fuller for longer and less hungry in between meals—all of which can make you eat less throughout the day.
