Ditching Diets, Dependence & Death?

This Sunday on 7News Spotlight Michael Usher asks whether major weight-loss drugs may be useful in addressing various other addictions,

It has already transformed the fight against obesity. Now, scientists believe popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro could be unlocking something even bigger.

More than half a million Australians are using GLP-1 medications, with remarkable results. And researchers are now investigating whether these drugs do more than switch off hunger – potentially helping to silence some of the brain's most powerful addictions.

In this 7News Spotlight special investigation to air on Sunday at 8.40pm on Seven and 7plus, Michael Usher explores the growing evidence these weight-loss drugs may help curb other addictive disorders like alcohol, smoking, gambling and drugs, opening up what some experts believe could be the next frontier of the "Ozempic" revolution.

The program examines the ground breaking science behind the drugs and meets Australians who say their relationship with food wasn't the only thing that changed, describing unexpected effects on long-standing addictions and compulsive behaviours. Plus, the research exploring whether the medications could help fight serious disease beyond obesity, including cancer.

But for all the promise, there are concerns. With health warnings about the potential risk of serious psychological impact and questions remaining about long-term side effects, 7News Spotlight investigates the ups and downs of the weight-loss drugs reshaping modern medicine.