Can I Drink on Mounjaro and Wegovy?  

If you’re using a GLP-1 medication such as Mounjaro or Wegovy, you’re likely already making important lifestyle changes to support your weight loss journey. That might include paying closer attention to your diet, becoming more active, and building healthier daily habits. But one area that often gets overlooked is alcohol consumption.  

Understanding how alcohol interacts with GLP-1 treatments is crucial if you want to stay on track and get the most from your medication. It can influence your progress, your side effects, and even your motivation, so it’s worth knowing the facts. 

What Are GLP-1 Medications? 

GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, yet now are used widely to manage weight loss and weight maintenance. They work by mimicking the hormone in the body that regulates appetite and blood sugar. Causing side effects such as, reduced appetite, slower digestion, and weight loss.  

Currently, common GLP-1 medications include tirzepatide (Mounjaro), semaglutide (Wegovy), and liragutide (Nevolat). These treatments vary in terms of dose, effectivity  and, active ingredient, but they all work in similar ways in order to aid with weight loss and weight maintenance. For the best results when it comes to GLP-1 treatments, they need to be accompanied by healthy lifestyle changes. Including the approach to alcohol.   

What’s the Alcohol – GLP-1 Relationship? 

There’s no strict rule banning alcohol while using GLP-1 medications. But, drinking does interact with treatment in several ways.  

Increased Risk of Side Effects 

Commonly, GLP-1 medications can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain, especially during that beginning stage of starting treatment. Alcohol can also cause an irritation to the digestive system and can therefore worsen the existing GLP-1 side effects. In some cases, combining the two can make the side effects longer lasting as well as more intense. 

Blood Sugar Instability 

GLP-1 medications help regulate blood sugar, but alcohol can interfere. Depending on how much you drink and whether you eat at the same time, alcohol can cause your blood sugar to spike or drop. When sing GLP-1 medications for weight loss, this sudden blood sugar instability can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and cravings (the very thing you are trying to avoid).  

Slowed Weight Loss  

Alcohol is high in calories and low in nutritional value. Even a few drinks can add up to hundreds of extra calories, which can undermine your weight loss efforts. After drinking alcohol, regardless of what ‘good’ food you had prior to it, your stomach will prioritise alcohol and fluids. Not only will alcohol jump the digestion queue, it can also reduce or even impair the absorption of nutrients from those ‘good’ foods you ate. It’s always a good idea to factor in drinks when considering calorie intake; not just food. Alcohol may also reduce your motivation to stick to healthy habits such as meal planning and exercise.  

Impaired Judgment 

Let’s be honest, alcohol lowers inhibitions. After a few drinks, you might be more likely to reach for high-calorie snacks or skip your planned workout. It’s only natural, but when your awareness of healthy habits should be at its highest, alcohol can easily cloud your judgment and steer you off course. Should you stop drinking to protect your weight loss? It won’t hurt but there’s no reason suggesting that you must. Instead, consider planning the hours and day after drinking, putting strategies in place and activities that will keep you or get you back on track quickly. Think of it like a ship with a small leak, you could easily repair the leak and be back afloat or you could create a far bigger leak that could drag you further under.  

The inevitable hangover 

For some, the inevitable hangover is a dreaded event and can feel like it lingers for days. Whilst there is no ‘cure’ or ‘remedy’, there are evidence-based tactics to reduce the effects of a hangover. Firstly, stay hydrated prior to, during and after drinking, keeping a close eye on your urine colour to ensure it is consistently a pale colour. Prioritise a wholefood, low glycaemic index food containing meal beforehand. Alcohol increases the level of sugar circulating in the bloodstream, opting for brown, complex carbohydrates and a variety of colourful vegetables will provide a gradual absorption into your body as opposed to ‘dumping’ a lot of sugar in one go. Finally, opt for foods high in zinc and vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid or niacin), ideal options include turkey, salmon, tuna, eggs, chickpeas, lentils, cashew nuts, peanuts and milk.
 

Is Occasional Drinking Okay? 

For many people, moderate drinking can still fit into a healthy lifestyle, even while on GLP-1 medications. The key is moderation and mindfulness. The NHS advises not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread across three or more days. 

If you do choose to drink: 

Eat a balanced meal beforehand 

Avoid drinking on an empty stomach (especially if you’re feeling nauseous) 

Stay hydrated with water between alcoholic drinks 

Choose lower-calorie options like wine spritzers, light beer, or light and clear spirits with sugar-free mixers
Plan your hours and potentially day after drinking to reduce the risk of over-eating 

If you’re experiencing strong side effects from your GLP-1 medication, it might be best to avoid alcohol entirely until things stabilise. 

The Bottom Line 

GLP-1 treatments such as Mounjaro or Wegovy, are powerful aids to support weight loss and weight management, but they work best when supported by smart lifestyle choices. Including being mindful of your alcohol. If you’re still unclear about your alcohol intake or want advice on side effects speak to your healthcare provider for personalised advice.