Ozempic and Wegovy May Diminish the Link Between Impulsivity and Violent Behaviour
GLP-1 medications prescribed for weight loss or diabetes may influence behaviours linked to violence, according to Rutgers researchers. Their study, published in Criminology, examined whether medications like Ozempic and Wegovy influence violent criminal behavior among adults by moderating impulsivity and alcohol intake.
Researchers analysed 2025 survey data from 7,521 U.S. adults, focusing on 821 individuals who had used a GLP-1 medication.
They compared current and former users to see if active medication altered relationships between violent behavior, impulsivity, and alcohol use. Violent behaviour was measured using a validated self-reported scale assessing actions like fighting, assault, and robbery.
“The strongest finding was that the well-established link between impulsivity and violent behavior was substantially weaker among current GLP-1 users compared to former users,” said lead author Daniel Semenza, an associate professor at the Rutgers School of Public Health.
The association between impulsivity and violent behavior was 62% weaker among current users. The relationship between alcohol use and violent behavior was 52% weaker, though less consistent across analyses. Researchers noted the medications seem to weaken the path from impulse to action, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy, rather than eliminating impulsivity itself.
Because this study was observational, researchers emphasised that causal conclusions cannot be drawn yet, calling for future longitudinal trials.
However, these findings align with a growing body of evidence. Prior population-wide studies have linked GLP-1s to reductions in other impulse-driven behaviors, showing that patients experience fewer cravings and lower rates of substance abuse, particularly regarding alcohol misuse and smoking.
Emerging neuroimaging shows GLP-1 receptors in the brain’s reward center modulate dopamine, which may dampen spikes that drive compulsive behaviours.
