Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, commonly prescribed for diabetes and obesity, may also influence behavior by supporting impulse control and reducing substance use and alcohol consumption, according to new research published in Criminology on June 17.
Investigators analyzed data from a 2025 nationally representative United States survey involving 821 adults who had ever used GLP-1 medications. The study found that while impulsivity and alcohol use were strongly associated with committing violent crime, these associations were significantly weaker among current GLP-1 receptor agonist users compared with former users.
The research indicates that even when a GLP-1 user drinks or acts impulsively, the situation is less likely to escalate into engaging in violent criminality. More thorough analyses showed this finding was especially consistent related to impulsivity, but less so with alcohol use.
The findings suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists may lessen the extent to which certain established risk factors translate into violent behavior.
