GLP-1 Drugs Could Help Problem Gamblers Lose More Than Weight, Research Suggests

GLP-1 drugs were developed to manage and control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, but the medicines are now used to combat numerous health conditions, from obesity and chronic weight management to helping fight liver and kidney disease. There’s also mounting evidence that Ozempic and Wegovy might curb one’s desire to gamble. GLP-1 semaglutide medications Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus are pictured. Early research suggests such weight-loss drugs could have positive effects on problem gambling. (Image: Shutterstock) In May, Casino.org reported on research at Boston University that found GLP-1s influence the brain’s reward processes. Dr. Ivania Rizo, an assistant professor of medicine, said the medicines might help reduce cravings not only for food but also for alcohol, shopping, and gambling. Rizo said the medications “turn down” the brain’s reward signals, reducing cravings for rewarding behaviors. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School agree that GLP-1s influence the body’s reward system, and that might include financial decisions. “We believe GLP-1s will ultimately lead to some structural remodeling of the brain, which is where some of those long-term impacts on food choice could show up, but also on financial decision-making,” Michael Platt, a neuroscientist and professor at Wharton, told CBS News. Penn’s MindCORE (Mind Center for Outreach, Research, and Education) will soon begin a study with 180 participants to better understand how GLP-1s impact financial decision-making. MRIs to Monitor Brain’s Risk-Reward Activity Platt says study participants will undergo regular MRIs to track how GLP-1 drugs affect the brain’s reward systems. The scans will help researchers monitor brain activity associated with neurotransmitters such as dopamine when participants are shown images of high-risk financial activities, such as a casino floor or the Powerball jackpot. There is anecdotal speculation in high-risk professions that dampening reward drive might also dampen appetite for risk and very high returns,” Platt said. “At the other end of the spectrum, the same shift could potentially help ordinary consumers resist impulsive spending and favor longer-term financial goals.” Digital health company Noom is funding the Penn study. Research from Northwestern Mutual suggests more Americans than ever are engaged in high-risk financial activities. The financial services firm’s 2026 Planning & Progress Study found that “interest in prediction markets and sports betting is substantial.” The report suggested that 17% of US adults are actively engaged in prediction market trading and/or sports betting. Participation is significantly higher among younger generations, notably Gen Z (32%) and Millennials (24%). Just 3% of Boomers are betting on prediction markets or sportsbooks. Is Gambling Addiction Increasing? The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) estimates that about 20 million US adults have a gambling problem. The number is increasing, with gambling more prevalent than ever in society. Commercial and tribal casinos generated almost $125 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2025, an all-time high for player losses. The figures do not include losses from playing the lottery, trading on prediction markets, or gambling online on unlicensed websites and apps. The post GLP-1 Drugs Could Help Problem Gamblers Lose More Than Weight, Research Suggests appeared first on Casino.org.