The impact of GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, extends beyond weight management. A recent report from Morgan Stanley has revealed a significant observation: users of GLP-1 medications exhibit reduced consumption of tobacco and alcohol while on the medications. GLP-1s, a class of diabetes and weight loss drugs, have garnered attention for their appetite-suppressing effects.
Morgan Stanley conducted a survey of approximately 300 GLP-1 users to gather insights into their consumption habits during treatment. Analysts previously expressed concerns that the growing popularity of GLP-1s could negatively impact certain industries, as users reported decreased spending at restaurants. However, the survey’s findings revealed an unexpected trend: users were also reducing their intake of tobacco and alcohol.
The survey results indicated a notable decline in cigarette smoking among GLP-1 users. Before starting GLP-1 treatment, 40% of respondents reported smoking cigarettes at least weekly. After initiating treatment, that number dropped to 24%. Similarly, weekly e-cigarette usage decreased from 30% of respondents to 16% after starting a GLP-1 medication.
Morgan Stanley observed similar results when examining alcohol consumption among GLP-1 users. Approximately 56-62% of alcohol consumers on GLP-1s reported drinking less alcohol since starting the medications, with about 14-18% cutting their alcohol consumption entirely.
While the analysts expressed caution in drawing definitive conclusions from their survey, anecdotal evidence from patients and healthcare providers suggests that GLP-1s may have a positive effect on reducing alcohol and tobacco dependence. Research is currently underway to better understand the causal link between GLP-1s and decreased addictive behaviors.
In addition to the observed impact on tobacco and alcohol consumption, Morgan Stanley anticipates the continued growth of the GLP-1 market. Projections indicate that the global market for GLP-1 drugs will reach $105 billion by 2030, and approximately 31.5 million people in the U.S. (or about 9% of the nation’s population) will be using these drugs by 2035.
