Semaglutide Reduced Nicotine Craving in Small Trial

By
Andrea Surnit
May 26, 2026

Conexiant

Overview

In a phase 2a trial, semaglutide significantly reduced nicotine craving and body weight in daily smokers compared to placebo, although it did not significantly decrease the number of cigarettes smoked per day, indicating its limited efficacy for smoking cessation.

Background

Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable disease and death, necessitating effective interventions for cessation. Current pharmacotherapies primarily include varenicline and nicotine replacement therapies, but new options are being explored. The role of GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide in smoking cessation is of interest due to their effects on appetite and craving modulation.

Data Highlights

Outcome	Semaglutide	Placebo
Nicotine Craving Reduction	Significant	Less Significant
Cigarettes Smoked per Day	No Significant Change	No Significant Change
Body Weight Change	-5%	Small Increase
HbA1c Levels	Lower (statistical significance not reported)	Not Reported

Key Findings

Semaglutide led to greater reductions in nicotine craving compared to placebo.
No significant differences were observed in the number of cigarettes smoked per day between groups.
Participants receiving semaglutide lost approximately 5% of body weight during the trial.
Lower hemoglobin A1c levels were noted in the semaglutide group, though significance was not specified.
Exploratory analyses indicated larger reductions in withdrawal symptoms among semaglutide-treated participants, particularly on craving and hunger subscales.
Most adverse events were mild, primarily gastrointestinal in nature.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that semaglutide may be beneficial in reducing nicotine cravings, which could be useful in a broader smoking cessation strategy. However, clinicians should be cautious in interpreting these results due to the small sample size, lack of significant impact on smoking behavior, and the fact that participants were not actively attempting to quit smoking.

Conclusion

While semaglutide shows promise in reducing nicotine cravings and body weight, its efficacy as a standalone treatment for smoking cessation remains unproven. Further research is needed to explore its potential role in comprehensive smoking cessation programs, particularly in a more diverse and larger population.