Could weight-loss drugs be impacting crime rates? It’s a question currently making waves. Violent crime in the United States has dropped significantly over the past two years, leaving experts puzzled about the reasons behind this decline.
A recent study from Rutgers University hints at an intriguing possibility: GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic and Wegovy, might play a role in this decrease.
Research conducted by sociology professor Daniel Semenza examined the link between these medications, impulsivity, and violent behavior. He suggests that there’s a compelling rationale behind the theory. According to Semenza, “One possible explanation comes from research suggesting that GLP-1 medications affect parts of the brain involved in reward processing and self-regulation.”
It’s worth noting that the benefits of GLP-1s tend to diminish once users stop taking them. In his study, Semenza discovered that individuals currently using GLP-1s exhibited lower levels of impulsivity and alcohol consumption, both of which are significant risk factors for violent behavior.
He explained, “In simple terms, they may reduce how strongly people respond to certain rewards or urges. While impulsive tendencies might still exist, they seem less likely to escalate into violence.”
Furthermore, Semenza highlighted that existing research indicates GLP-1 medications may lower alcohol intake and cravings by interacting with the brain’s reward system. He noted, “We found that alcohol use was linked to more aggressive behaviors, but the connection was weaker among current GLP-1 users compared to those who have stopped.”
Given that around 15% of adults in the U.S. have tried GLP-1 medications, a significant portion of the population may be experiencing a new sense of self-control.
However, Semenza emphasizes that his findings do not provide definitive evidence of a direct cause-and-effect relationship between GLP-1s and reduced violent crime on a national level, or even a clear improvement in impulse management. He remarked, “The potential link is that impulsivity and alcohol use are recognized risks for violence. We found these risk factors less prominently associated with violence in current GLP-1 users. If future research confirms that GLP-1 medications actually cause this difference, it could reshape our understanding of violence prevention.”
Regarding long-term effects, research is still in the early stages, making it difficult to determine whether these medications could lead to crime reduction over time. Semenza stated, “These are critical questions for future inquiry. It’s essential to conduct studies that monitor individuals over a span of time and examine their experiences before, during, and after GLP-1 therapy.”
Thus, the broader effects of GLP-1 medications might contribute to a complex picture of why crime rates have dropped.
The U.S. has been experiencing one of its most significant crime declines in modern history, with the murder rate reaching its lowest since records began, matching figures from 1955 and 1956. Additionally, the violent crime rate saw a 9.7% drop in 2025, marking the largest annual reduction since national estimates began 90 years ago. This trend has continued into 2026, according to recent data.
Experts attribute some of this decline to a normalization following the COVID-related spikes in violence. During the pandemic, violent crime surged, correlating with increased alcohol and drug use, as well as firearm purchases, all of which have since declined, as noted in recent reports.
Lockdowns during COVID also disrupted community structures and particularly affected younger populations. Moreover, diminishing numbers of young people in America—the demographic most commonly associated with violent crime—are noteworthy.
Lastly, law enforcement agencies are adopting advanced technology, utilizing AI and predictive analytics, such as Palantir’s Gotham, to identify crime hotspots and effectively allocate resources.
