A new study suggests that medications like Ozempic could help reduce the risk of overdose and alcohol intoxication in people with substance use disorders.

Weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic, made by Denmark’s Novo Nordisk, can reduce rates of opioid and alcohol abuse by up to 50%, according to a new study that supports expectations the drugs can offer greater benefits than just weight and diabetes management.

The government has suggested weight-loss drugs could boost the economy by helping obese people in England get back to work. But NHS experts have warned treatment services are already overstretched trying to deal with unprecedented demand from patients wanting these drugs.