Menu

Smokers who are trying to give up a longtime habit often feel initial motivation and determination, followed by a sense of loss and even doubts and urges to relapse. Recent research has shown that smokers who were on GLP-1s found success in quitting. Nicotine is an appetite suppressant, so when a person stops smoking, they may experience increased hunger and cravings for food. Without the appetite-suppressing effect of nicotine, former smokers may tend to eat more. Many smokers who do quit, find themselves gaining weight due to increased snacking and potential overeating. 

Over a decade ago, physicians treating type 2 diabetes noticed that some of their patients on GLP-1s were able to quit smoking without gaining weight. Quitting smoking alone is an achievement that should be celebrated because smoking is one of the top modifiable risk factors for chronic conditions, and there are mental health advantages to quitting smoking as well. 

Smokers who try to quit often gain weight. The use of GLP-1s may be important because those who successfully quit smoking gain an average of 10 pounds in the following year. This weight change is highly variable, because many (~60%) experience no change in body weight, while up to 15% will gain over 20 pounds. The risk of weight gain is a major deterrent to quitting for some people. In fact, surveys suggest that two-thirds of individuals admit that they would return to smoking if they gained weight after quitting! Smokers report feeling a rollercoaster of emotions when quitting, often nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and increased appetite. Understandably, weight gain is frustrating. On the heels of new research about GLP-1s and smoking cessation, GLP-1 medications may be a viable option for those who are ready to stop smoking in the future.

Desire for GLP-1s continues to soar 

In the US, 31% of adults are overweight and 42% are obese. Surveys reveal that 61% of Americans say they are currently trying to lose weight, and at least 4% are already taking prescribed medications for weight loss. In 2023, almost half of adults said they were interested in GLP-1s and 1 in 60 were prescribed a GLP-1 medication. 

This high interest is understandable. After all, you can’t escape their ads, from subway platforms to Superbowl commercials. At the same time, many of these drugs have been used for decades, so their safety is well demonstrated overall. As of May 2024, there are at least 13 major medications available for prescription use. Below are all the FDA-approved GLP-1s available (with asterisks indicating that the medication includes other active ingredients that also benefit blood sugar.)

Notice these are not yet indicated for smoking cessation – but they could be soon. Much like the recent addition of heart disease as a condition these GLP-1s can treat, research is informing additional conditions for which these drugs are indicated. That research is stirring up excitement about use for smoking cessation.

Studies in smokers reveal advantages 

While the major uses for GLP-1s include those with type 2 diabetes and obesity, in March of 2024, the FDA also approved them for heart diseases. While these drugs act on the digestive tract, they also influence the brain. Just like they reduce cravings for food, they also reduce the lure of smoking. This is crucial when we are trying to cut back on certain foods, or for smokers, for cigarettes. 

To test this idea, a pilot study recruited 84 individuals who had obesity and smoked cigarettes. For six weeks, they either took a GLP-1 medication (exenatide, brand name Bydureon) or a placebo. Everyone received nicotine patches and info on quitting smoking, but the results showed the GLP-1 group had advantages. 

Everyone in the trial also received nicotine replacement therapy patches and brief smoking cessation counseling. At the end of the study, 46% quit smoking in the GLP-1 group compared to just 27% of the placebo group. (That means GLP-1s supported a 20% boost in the smoking abstinence rate!) When it comes to body weight, the GLP-1 group ended up weighing an average of 5.6 lbs less compared to the placebo group. Surveys revealed that the GLP-1 group reported fewer cravings and mellow withdrawal symptoms. 

Longer studies confirm GLP-1 advantages for smokers 

On the heels of the exciting findings for the six-week study, longer interventions are underway. One study lasted 12 weeks and tested smoking cessation in combination with the GLP-1 known as dulaglutide (brand name Trulicity). Compared to placebo, the GLP-1 group showed significantly lower post-cessation weight gain in both men and women. While more research is needed, these studies show support for GLP-1s in preventing the weight gain associated with quitting smoking. 

Treo Wellness Can Help

When you offer personalized virtual health coaching to your employees, they have an opportunity to focus on the health habit that is most important to them right now. For some, that may be smoking cessation. With one-on-one private health coaching, your employees can get the accountability and support they need to tackle their toughest health habits. Curious how Treo Wellness can support your employee wellness program? Contact us at info@treowellness.com to learn more!