COA_Karl said:Dr.AddMedPHL said: ...regarding food noise mechanism of action...
The GLP-1 and alcohol use disorder connection, relevant to food noise: observational data from Scandinavian registries shows reduced alcohol-related hospitalizations in GLP-1 agonist users[1].
The mechanism is plausible: GLP-1R is expressed in the mesolimbic reward pathway (VTA, nucleus accumbens). Agonism at these receptors may reduce the reinforcing properties of alcohol, similar to the reduction in "food noise."
RCTs for GLP-1 agonists in AUD are now underway. If positive, this would be a paradigm-shifting repurposing of existing medications.
[1] Wang W, et al. Nat Med. 2024;30:574-584.
Dr.AddMedPHL said:The food noise came back three weeks after I reduced my dose, well before the weight moved, which tells me something about which effect tracks what.
"Food aversion" side effect of food noise that I wasn't prepared for: I used to LOVE cooking and trying new restaurants. Now certain foods — especially red meat — literally repulse me.
It's not just reduced appetite; it's an active disgust response. My therapist says this is common and likely related to the reward pathway modulation. It's mostly a positive change, but I do miss enjoying food the way I used to.
mike.trainer_LA said:The GLP-1 and alcohol use disorder connection, relevant to food noise: observational data from Scandinavian registries shows reduced alcohol-related…
Alcohol relationship change with food noise: I used to drink cocktails most nights. Since starting GLP-1 therapy, I have zero interest in alcohol. Haven't had a drink in 9 months.
The "food noise" reduction seems to extend to other reward-seeking behaviors, including alcohol. My liver enzymes have improved, my sleep is better, and I've saved roughly $227/month on alcohol. Triple win.
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Shop Reference StandardsA narrower follow-up, since the general answer is now clear:
How would you tell the difference between that and the alternative explanation?
JenPlateau said:Alcohol relationship change with food noise: I used to drink cocktails most nights.
Rebound hunger after missed dose of food noise: I missed my injection by 3 days due to a shipping delay and the hunger came ROARING back. Like a switch flipped. It was eye-opening to feel the difference.
This experience actually reinforced my understanding of what the medication does — it's not just "suppressing appetite," it's normalizing dysregulated hunger signaling. When the drug wears off, you feel the full force of what it was managing.