Ozempic's Potential to Diminish Violence and Crime Explored

WHO:

Gizmodo - Scientists at Rutgers University, including lead author Daniel Semenza, director of research at the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center at the Rutgers School of Public Health.

WHAT:

Gizmodo - The study's findings were published in the journal Criminology.

Gizmodo - The researchers found that among former GLP-1 users, those with higher levels of impulsivity and alcohol use reported much higher levels of violent behavior, consistent with decades of prior research.

Gizmodo - The researchers noted that the link between impulsivity and violence was about 62% weaker in current GLP-1 users, while the link between alcohol use and violence was 52% weaker.

NY Post - A new study suggests that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro may help people make better choices and could reduce violent behavior.

Gizmodo - The study examined data from 7,521 U.S. adults, focusing on 821 individuals who reported ever taking a GLP-1, including 597 current users.

Gizmodo - The link between impulsivity and violence was found to be about 62% weaker in current GLP-1 users, while the link between alcohol use and violence was 52% weaker.

WHERE:

Gizmodo - The study utilized data collected from a nationally representative survey in the United States.

WHEN:

Gizmodo - The data for the study was collected last summer.

WHY:

Gizmodo - The researchers are particularly interested in whether similar patterns emerge in data that track medication use and criminal legal system involvement over time.

Gizmodo - The researchers aimed to explore whether GLP-1 use might be associated with changes in the relationship between impulsivity, alcohol use, and violent behavior.

HOW:

Gizmodo - The team plans to examine these questions using large-scale longitudinal and administrative datasets to better address causality and timing.

Gizmodo - Participants were asked about their alcohol use and impulsivity, including questions about their enjoyment of high-speed chases or fistfights, as well as their involvement in violent crimes over the past year.

Gizmodo - The study is observational and cross-sectional, meaning it cannot establish a cause-and-effect link between GLP-1 use and reduced violent behavior.

(UPDATED June 17, 2026 16:16 UTC)

A new study published in the journal Criminology reveals that among former users of GLP-1 medications, those exhibiting higher levels of impulsivity and alcohol consumption reported significantly increased violent behavior. Interestingly, the researchers found that the connection between impulsivity and violence was about 62% weaker in current GLP-1 users, while the relationship between alcohol use and violence was 52% weaker. To further explore these findings, the research team plans to analyze large-scale longitudinal and administrative datasets to investigate the links between medication use and involvement in the criminal legal system over time.

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(UPDATED June 17, 2026 14:17 UTC)

A new study from scientists at Rutgers University, led by Daniel Semenza, suggests that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro may help individuals make better choices and potentially reduce violent behavior. Analyzing data from over 7,500 U.S. adults, the research found that the link between impulsivity and violence was about 62% weaker among current GLP-1 users, while the connection between alcohol use and violence was 52% weaker. Participants reported their alcohol use and impulsivity, including experiences with high-speed chases or fistfights, but it's important to note that this observational study cannot establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.