Can I Drink Alcohol When Taking Weight Management Medication?

Mulled wine in the office. Baileys by candlelight. Cheeky Bucks Fizz to toast the season. Christmas is a time where alcohol is ubiquitous, but all that booze doesn’t equal joy to the world for everyone. In fact, if you’re on a weight management journey with GLP-1 medication, you might find that your old festive faves are a recipe for a festive fail. GLP-1 medications, such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, are proving groundbreaking in the treatment of obesity. Now, the latest studies from healthcare and science professionals are exploring their potential beyond weight loss support alone. One fascinating development that’s emerging? Some users are finding that alcoholic drinks and GLP-1 treatment don’t mix. Let’s dive in…

How does GLP-1 medication impact desire for alcohol?

GLP-1 medication, including Wegovy and Mounjaro, works to suppress food noise. A new study into the effects of semaglutide and other GLP-1 agonists shows potential to reduce consumption of alcohol. It’s a fascinating read: basically, the same parts of the brain that drive our cravings for sweet or salty snacks overlap with those which motivate desire to drink alcohol. Just as GLP-1 medication can stifle our cravings for food, there is evidence that they can also suppress the rewarding feeling of drinking alcohol. It’s early days yet, and requires further human trial, but this could have a revolutionary impact on maladaptive behaviours, such as binge/problem drinking.

Can I still drink alcohol on GLP-1 medication?

Whilst there aren’t any direct interactions recognised between GLP-1 medication and alcohol, everybody’s journey is different. A chorus of Reddit users on Mounjaro have reported feeling nauseous, projectile vomiting or just not experiencing the fun ‘buzz’ when drinking alcohol. If you are experiencing nausea, headaches and vomiting as a side effect of the medication already, you might find it more comfortable simply not to drink, as the combination of both alcohol and GLP-1’s side effects can prove unpleasant. Equally, you might find that a small glass of wine with dinner doesn’t result in any adverse effects. Remember: for those of us on a weight loss journey with GLP-1 medication, moderating calorie intake is key. Often overlooked as a drink rather than a snack, alcohol can carry heavy hidden calories and carbs, which can cause uncomfortable bloating, water retention and weight gain - throwing us off course. To stay on track with your weight management programme, it may prove simpler and more effective to simply pass on the prosecco.

How To Avoid Alcohol On Your Weight Loss Journey

• Schloer isn’t the only option during the Christmas party season. If you’re headed to a friends/family for a festive do, don’t assume they’ll have a tasty alternative. It’s all too easy to say “oh, go on then” to a glass of fizz if the only other option is tap water or kids’ squash. We usually grab a couple of healthy-but-fun soft drinks to bring along, such as XOXO probiotic sodas. 
• Identify your danger zones: where are you likely to give into temptation for a swift one? For instance, if you usually get a cheeky can for a train ride, take a different route to the station that avoids your usual stop off, or swap the can for a non-alcholic alternative. Top tip: we swap our usual G&T in a tin for a sparkling Perrier. It might feel strange at first, but it’s about retraining your tastebuds and mindfully breaking old patterns.
• If you are going to drink alcohol, avoid the Uber-sugary alcopops, sickly Irish Creams or eggnogs. Go for quality over quantity, especially when taking GLP-1 medication, to avoid being ’the one who puked at the office party’. Quarter Proof’s lo-alcohol tequila is perfect with lime juice, a salty rim (ooh-er) and a little agave. Remember, sipping, not swigging, is the chicest vibe this Christmas.

Want more?

• Brewer’s droop: our in-house sexual health expert explains why alcohol can put a dampener on desire. Read on.
• Why am I being shamed for taking weight loss injections? Find out why GLP-1 medication is still so taboo. 
• Grab the ginger tea! Here’s our expert guide to handling common Mounjaro side effects at home.