The wine industry has become used to warnings from government and quasi- governmental agencies about the dangers of alcohol. Recently, those warnings have ranged from the director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism suggesting Americans should limit themselves to two drinks per week to new European Union rules about wine labeling. But the wine industry is more concerned about something else: a drug named Ozempic.

The difference between government warnings and Ozempic is that people actually want to take the drug, which is made by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk and can reduce the user's desire for alcohol at the same time as it eases feelings of hunger.

Originally designed for people with Type 2 diabetes, the drug has exploded in popularity among those hoping to lose weight and lose it fast. The drug costs roughly $900 a month, and many people are paying for it in cash if their insurance will not cover it, which is likely, since it is often used in an off-label manner. Unfortunately, the rapid demand has resulted in shortages for those who legitimately need the medication.

Novo Nordisk created Ozempic, an injectable semaglutide, and its companion, Wegovy, in 2015, and released them in 2017. It soon became apparent that those taking it were losing weight fast. The drug does this in three ways: by helping the pancreas produce more insulin when one's blood sugar is high; by preventing the liver from producing too much sugar; and by slowing down food leaving the stomach.

Wine is a social beverage, and the industry’s assumption is that if an Ozempic user gathers with friends and does not drink, it’s likely others will not, as well—thus causing a decrease in consumption, and in wine sales. The New York Times recently ran a story examining the demographics of Ozempic users. What the newspaper found was that the drug was not as prevalent in Brooklyn, home to the highest number of the city's diabetics, as it was on the tony Upper East Side of Manhattan. The Times' research was not a scientific study, but instead developed by looking at ZIP codes where pharmacies dispense the drug.

According to a story in The Washington Post, some experts are anticipating that the widespread use of Ozempic and other drugs could lead to an overall 1.8 percent decrease in American alcohol consumption—a $3.5 billion loss in sales for the alcohol industry.

The potential of these drugs to help societal problems such as alcoholism and obesity is enormous. However, there is a dark side. There are numerous lawsuits and aggressive attorneys pursuing liabilities. These drugs can allegedly cause stomach problems such as gastroparesis and ileus, and many lawsuits are now in the works. As always, it pays to consult a doctor before beginning any new medication.

Bob McGinn has spent his entire career in the wine industry—forming wine clubs, working in wine sales marketing and engaging in all facets of the winemaking process, including vine management, fermentation and yeast analysis. He has developed wine programs for companies such as Marriott, Sheraton and Smith & Wollensky, and consults with local restaurants. You can read more of McGinn’s work at gulfcoastwinejournal.com.