Wegovy and alcohol: Can you still enjoy a drink on your weight loss journey?

You've started your Wegovy journey, and things are going well. Your appetite is down, your energy's up, and your clothes are fitting a little looser. But then the weekend rolls around, and you're heading out for a drink with the girls. The big question is: can you?

Here's what you need to know about Wegovy and alcohol, including how they interact, the risks involved, and how to enjoy a glass without derailing your weight loss efforts.

What is Wegovy and how does it work?

Wegovy is a weight loss drug containing semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate appetite, delay gastric emptying, and keep you feeling fuller for longer [1]. It is delivered via a once-weekly subcutaneous self-injection [2].

The semaglutide treatment works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone (GLP-1) that influences appetite and food consumption [3]. This helps reduce cravings, control portion sizes, and create a calorie deficit, which is essential for losing weight.

When paired with healthy lifestyle changes, Wegovy can support weight loss of up to 15% of your body weight, sometimes more [4].

Can you drink alcohol on Wegovy?

In short: yes, but with a few caveats.

There is no official rule saying you can't consume alcohol while on Wegovy. However, combining the two can sometimes lead to unwanted side effects or stall your progress. That's why moderation and mindfulness are key.

If you choose to drink, it's important to listen to your body and be aware of how the alcohol makes you feel, especially in the early weeks when your body's still adjusting to the medication.

What the research says

There isn't a huge body of research on alcohol and Wegovy specifically, but we do know a few important things based on how GLP-1 medications affect the body:

• Alcohol and GLP-1 medications both slow gastric emptying, which can lead to nausea or bloating [5][6]
• Both can lower blood sugar levels, especially if you're not eating enough, potentially leading to dizziness or faintness [7][2]
• Some studies suggest that GLP-1 medications may actually reduce alcohol cravings by dampening the brain's reward system [8]

So while there's no evidence to suggest you need to give up alcohol entirely, it's still worth being careful.

What healthcare providers recommend

Most healthcare professionals won't ask you to cut out alcohol completely, but they will encourage you to drink responsibly. Like most things, it should be enjoyed in moderation.

In the UK, Drinkaware recommends no more than 14 units of alcohol per week (spread over 3 or more days) to keep the health risks of alcohol at a low risk. This is the equivalent of six pints of average-strength beer or six medium (175ml) glasses of average-strength wine [9].

If you're experiencing strong side effects from Wegovy, they may suggest pausing alcohol until your body has adjusted.

What are the risks of mixing Wegovy and alcohol?

Even though you can drink alcohol on Wegovy, there are still a few risks worth being aware of:

• Worsened nausea: Both alcohol and Wegovy can cause nausea; combining the two may make it worse [10][11]
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia): Drinking without eating may increase your risk of low blood sugar, especially if you're eating fewer calories overall [12][13]
• Increased side effects: Alcohol can intensify common side effects like light-headedness, dizziness or fatigue
• Inhibited judgment: Even one or two drinks can lower your inhibitions, which may make you more likely to overeat or reach for high-calorie foods.

Common side effects to watch for

If you're drinking while using weight loss medication, keep an eye out for:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Headaches
• Rapid heart rate
• Feeling unusually intoxicated on small amounts of alcohol

If any of these symptoms appear or worsen after drinking, it's best to pause alcohol use and check in with your healthcare provider.

Can alcohol make side effects worse?

Yes, especially during the early stages of treatment when your body is still getting used to Wegovy.

You're more likely to feel the effects of alcohol sooner, and they may linger for longer. You might also feel unwell on a much smaller amount than you're used to.

The combination of alcohol and common Wegovy side effects can be unpleasant, and in some cases, quite severe.

Is there a safe amount of alcohol to drink on Wegovy?

There is no one-size-fits-all rule, but the NHS recommends no more than 14 units of alcohol per week for women, ideally spread across several days with a few alcohol-free days in between [14].

On Wegovy, you may even find that this feels like too much. Many people find that they naturally drink less once their appetite and cravings have decreased.

Start small, sip slowly, and pay attention to how your body reacts.

Smart tips for drinking while on Wegovy

If you do decide to have a drink, here are a few simple ways to reduce risk and support your weight loss goals:

Know your limits

Wegovy may make you more sensitive to alcohol, so what used to feel like "just one glass" might now feel like two. Start with a small amount and see how you feel before reaching for more.

Eat before you drink

Drinking on an empty stomach is never a great idea, and it's even riskier when you're on a GLP-1 medication. A protein-rich meal or snack can help slow alcohol absorption and minimise the risk of nausea or low blood sugar.

Watch for unusual reactions

Feeling more drunk than usual? Getting side effects you don't normally get from alcohol? Stop drinking and check in with your healthcare provider. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Can Wegovy help reduce alcohol cravings?

Interestingly, yes. Some early studies suggest that GLP-1 medications like Wegovy may help reduce the brain's reward response to alcohol, meaning you may want to drink less, even without trying [8].

This is thought to be because GLP-1 receptors influence the brain's dopamine system — the same one involved in addictive behaviours [15].

More research is still needed, but many Wegovy users anecdotally report losing interest in alcohol over time.

Consider how alcohol could impact your calorie intake

When you're trying to lose weight, every choice adds up. Alcohol can quietly increase your overall calorie intake in more ways than just one.

Most alcoholic beverages are surprisingly high in calories, especially when mixed with sugary soft drinks, fruit juice, or cream-based liqueurs. A single glass of wine can contain around 160 calories, and a cocktail may contain double or even triple that amount [16].

But it's not just the drinks themselves. Alcohol lowers your inhibitions, which can lead to increased food consumption, cravings for salty or greasy snacks, or larger portions at dinner. You might find yourself ordering chips with that glass of wine, even if you weren't hungry, to begin with.

Excessive alcohol consumption can also impact your sleep, energy levels, and mood the next day. All of which can make sticking to healthy habits more difficult.

That doesn't mean you have to give up drinking altogether. But being mindful of how much alcohol you consume and what you pair it with can help you stay on track with your weight loss goals.

Smart swaps (like opting for a vodka and soda instead of a sugary cocktail) and setting clear limits before you start drinking can help reduce calorie intake and avoid unnecessary setbacks on your weight loss journey.

Why a holistic approach matters when losing weight with Wegovy

Wegovy is a powerful tool, but it works best when supported by healthy lifestyle changes. That includes nutritious eating, regular movement, emotional support, and yes, a realistic approach to things like alcohol.

Whether you're looking to start Wegovy for the first time or thinking about switching to Wegovy from Mounjaro, Juniper offers more than just a prescription.

Juniper's Weight Loss Reset Programme combines weight loss medication with dietitian-led health coaching and tracking, so you can lose weight and reach your goals for good.

Kickstart your weight loss journey with Wegovy or Mounjaro, two groundbreaking weight loss medications that mimic the GLP-1 and GIP hormones, respectively, to help control cravings, delay stomach emptying, and keep you feeling fuller for longer. These clinically backed treatments help members experience up to 20% body weight loss.

Plus, we have a team of expert dietitians and health coaches you can consult with to help you work through any challenges you're experiencing during your weight management journey. This approach sets you up for sustained weight loss, rather than a quick-fix solution.

This means you can continue to enjoy the things you love in moderation without ever feeling deprived.

Ready to see if Juniper is right for you? You can check your eligibility here.

Frequently asked questions

Curious about how alcohol fits into your Wegovy journey? We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you make confident decisions, whether you’re enjoying the occasional drink or managing more complex health concerns.

Can alcohol affect how Wegovy is absorbed or metabolised?

Wegovy is absorbed via subcutaneous injection and isn’t broken down in the digestive system like oral medications. However, alcohol may impact how your body responds to Wegovy, particularly by worsening side effects or affecting blood sugar regulation.

Can I drink alcohol on the same day I take my Wegovy injection?

Yes, but it’s best to wait for several hours and monitor for side effects. If you’re new to Wegovy or increasing your dose, it’s safer to avoid alcohol that day until you know how your body reacts.

What types of alcoholic drinks are better choices while on Wegovy?

Lower-calorie options like dry wine, vodka soda, or light beer are typically better choices. Avoid sugary cocktails and creamy liqueurs, which can add hundreds of extra calories and trigger cravings.

Should I delay drinking alcohol when starting Wegovy?

Yes — it’s a good idea to delay drinking until you’ve been on Wegovy for at least a few weeks. This allows your body time to adjust to the medication and helps you avoid intensified side effects like nausea or dizziness.

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