Study Finds GLP-1 Users Show Weaker Links Between Impulsivity and Violent Acts

A peer-reviewed study published Wednesday linked current use of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy to weaker associations between impulsivity and violent criminal behavior. U.S. adults and focused on 821 participants who had ever used a GLP-1 drug.

They found the relationship between impulsivity and self-reported violent acts was 62 percent weaker among current users than among former users. The link between alcohol use and violent behavior was 52 percent weaker for current users.

Participants reported violent behavior that included fighting, assault and robbery. Christopher Thomas, an assistant professor of criminal justice at Rutgers University-Camden and co-author of the study, said the findings are consistent with the medications working like cognitive behavioral therapy by weakening the path from impulse to action.

Daniel Semenza, lead author and director of research at the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center at Rutgers, said further study is needed on how GLP-1 medications affect behavior and public safety as their use grows.

GLP-1 medications were originally approved to treat diabetes and later obesity. Versions have since received approval for sleep apnea, severe liver disease, kidney disease and reducing heart attack risk. Some studies have also indicated reduced alcohol cravings and lower substance abuse risk.

The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning in March to Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, for not reporting some serious side effects including three deaths and suicidal ideation.