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Note: While research on alcohol is evolving, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that drinking less or not at all is better for your health.
Even if you’re taking GLP-1 semaglutide medications such as Wegovy or Ozempic injections — or oral options like the Wegovy pill or Rybelsus — you’ll still need to make tweaks to your eating and drinking habits for better health. Alcohol isn’t strictly forbidden when taking these weight loss drugs, but overdoing it can undermine your long-term results.
This doesn’t mean you can’t ever raise a glass again. Wine and beer are both among the top 10 top-logged beverages Lose It! users on the low-appetite nutrition strategy, which is designed for people taking a GLP-1 medication, report drinking (though below water, coffee, tea, milk, protein shakes, and both diet and regular soda). However, your alcohol consumption should be moderated and intentional. Here’s what health experts want you to know about drinking while taking a GLP-1 drug.
How Alcohol Affects Weight Loss on a GLP-1 Drug
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. Medications that mimic this hormone, like Wegovy and Ozempic, are prescribed to treat certain health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, overweight, and obesity. They work by slowing stomach emptying and sending signals to the brain that we’re full.
“For most people using GLP-1 receptor agonists, moderate alcohol consumption is typically safe,” says Angela Ginn-Meadow, RD, CDCES, owner of Real Talk Real Food in Baltimore. “However, excessive drinking should be avoided because it can strain the liver and might affect how well the medication works.”
Beyond those potential interactions, there are other reasons to monitor alcohol consumption. The calories in wine, beer, and mixed drinks can add up quickly, so it’s important to monitor how much you’re drinking, especially if you’ve just started GLP-1 therapy.
“Increased alcohol consumption can delay your weight loss success with additional calories and added sugar,” says Ginn-Meadow. “Some mixed drinks can contain as many calories as a meal, so if you are taking medication to lose weight, don’t sabotage your results by drinking empty calories.”
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Potential Health Risks of Combining Alcohol and a GLP-1
Drinking alcohol while you’re taking a GLP-1 medication does require some extra awareness. Several factors can influence how drinking may impact your health and weight loss goals.
Blood Sugar Changes
Research shows that combining GLP-1 receptor agonists with alcohol may increase the risk of low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, especially in people with diabetes.
Digestive Problems
GLP-1s may cause mild to moderate digestive symptoms, which can be worsened if combined with enough alcohol to cause a hangover.
“GLP-1 medications help to slow digestion, which can create stomach issues,” says Ginn-Meadow. “Side effects include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. Drinking alcohol while on a GLP-1 may increase these side effects.”
Combining alcohol with a GLP-1 may also potentially increase the risk of pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas, but research is not yet definitive.
Dehydration and Fatigue
Both alcohol and GLP-1 medications can contribute to these symptoms in some people. Combined use may make these effects more noticeable, particularly with higher alcohol intake.
Check with your doctor before consuming any alcohol on a GLP-1. They can offer personalized recommendations based on your individual medical history.
An RDN’s Advice if You Choose to Drink Alcohol While on a GLP-1
When you’re in the mood for an adult beverage, Anna Smith, RDN, chief nutrition officer for Lose It!, suggests setting limits for yourself ahead of time and sticking with one to two drinks at most.
“Calories from alcohol don’t add any nutrition to your day, and more and more research is showing that it’s just not so good for us,” says Smith. “Stick to drinking on more of an occasional basis versus weekly or daily.”
She also suggests being choosy about what you drink, as the calories can range quite a bit. “A glass of prosecco contains about 100 calories, while a margarita contains 200 to 600 calories.”
If you’re drinking at home, make sure your pour is standard-size. “A beer or canned seltzer is an easy way to ensure the portion size is accurate, whereas wine may be more difficult to eyeball,” Smith says.
Finally, if you’re someone who tends to snack more when you’re drinking, have a balanced meal along with your drink to keep your hunger in check, she says. And because alcohol can be dehydrating, switch to water or another nonalcoholic beverage after you have your drink.
Alternatives to Alcohol
If you’re looking to lose weight and want to avoid the potential risks of drinking on a GLP-1, there are plenty of low-calorie beverage options you can try instead.
“Healthier alternatives to alcohol, particularly when using GLP-1 receptor agonists, include iced herbal teas or sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice,” says Alyssa Simpson, RDN, a digestive health dietitian in Phoenix. “These beverages offer refreshing flavors without the extra calories found in alcoholic drinks, and they help avoid potential interactions that could affect medication effectiveness or strain the liver.”
Simpson likes to make a mocktail by blending coconut water with pineapple and lime juices and a touch of sweetener. “It’s wonderfully refreshing, especially when sweetened with stevia or monk fruit,” she says. “Plus, its hydrating qualities are a bonus for supporting weight loss efforts. Sip wisely!”
Interestingly, it may turn out that some people will no longer be interested in drinking alcohol while taking GLP-1 medications. Recent research suggests that GLP-1s may reduce alcohol cravings, though further studies are needed in this area.
The Wrap-Up
Drinking alcohol while taking GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Zepbound, or Ozempic isn’t prohibited, but experts emphasize moderation because excessive intake can undermine weight loss progress and cause unwanted side effects like nausea and digestive discomfort. It may also potentially increase the risk of low blood sugar and contribute to dehydration or fatigue. Overall, clinicians advise limiting intake, choosing lower-calorie drinks, and considering nonalcoholic alternatives.
Additional reporting by Cathy Garrard
