Ozempic is helping people overcome severe addictions beyond weight loss by changing how the brain processes rewards, according to Robert Mann, a senior lecturer at the University of Otago. Mann said recent discoveries are changing the understanding of how the brain handles rewards.
Mann explained that for many people, the thought of a tasty burger or a cold mug of beer triggers a vivid image of awareness and stimulates behavior. He said this connection between thought and action serves a clear function by motivating people to obtain what is necessary for life.
Breakdown in reward processing
However, Mann noted that this process can break down for some individuals. He said fixation on rewarding stimuli can lead to substance abuse disorders, including overeating to the point of obesity and excessive alcohol consumption.
