Nearly Half of Patients On Weight Loss Drugs Cut Alcohol Intake—With Benefits Lasting Far Beyond Dry January

As a record 17.5 million were set to take a month off alcohol in January,  new research from Yazen, a digital healthcare provider specialising in obesity treatment across Europe, reveals that patients undergoing modern weight management treatment are already experiencing significant, sustained reductions in alcohol consumption—with far-reaching benefits for their overall health and lifestyle.

The study found that 40% of Yazen patients reported drinking less alcohol since beginning treatment, with notable improvements across multiple aspects of their lives. Among those who reduced their alcohol intake, 24% reported feeling healthier overall, while 17% experienced better sleep quality and 15% felt more focused on their life goals.

22% of patients also said that they would like to be bought less alcohol when asked about Christmas gifting. And retail data backs up what we are seeing, shoppers spent 4.1% less than last year picking up supermarket beer, wine and spirits in the weeks leading up to 28 December, according to consumer data provider Worldpanel.

Unlike the temporary abstinence associated with Dry January, these findings suggest that comprehensive weight management programmes may support longer-term behavioral changes around alcohol consumption. 

"While Dry January encourages a month-long reset, we're seeing that patients engaged in holistic weight management care are naturally moderating their alcohol intake over extended periods," said Dr David Buchebner, Chief Medical Officer at Yazen. "This isn't just about willpower for 31 days—it's about sustainable lifestyle shifts that support overall health and wellbeing. 

He explained, “Many experience a marked change in the craving for alcohol during medical weight loss treatment. For some, the desire simply becomes smaller because the reward system is physiologically affected and stops a number of cravings. 

The research highlights the interconnected nature of health behaviors, with reduced alcohol consumption appearing to create a positive cascade effect. Improved sleep quality and increased focus on life goals suggest that patients are experiencing benefits that extend well beyond weight management alone.

"These findings underscore the importance of addressing health holistically rather than in isolation," added Dr Buchebner. "When patients feel supported in their weight management journey, we're seeing positive ripple effects across other areas of their lives."

Despite never being a big drinker, Annest Dalby, who has been a Yazen patient for two years understands the findings, “Yazen helps people find balance in the everyday, whether that’s food or drink consumption, movement or mindfulness. Striking the balance is so much easier when you have a team of experts in your pocket.”

As Dry January draws to a close, the research offers encouraging evidence that meaningful, lasting change in alcohol consumption is achievable when integrated into comprehensive care approaches.

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