Wegovy and alcohol: Understanding the interactions and potential risks
Thinking of drinking alcohol while on Wegovy? Before you do, uncover the surprising ways alcohol can interact with this weight loss medication – from amplified side effects to hidden impacts on your progress.
Key highlights
- Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist that helps with weight loss by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone that reduces hunger. The medication is FDA-approved for promoting weight loss in obese and overweight adults and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Drinking alcohol can reduce how well Wegovy works and may slow your progress by adding extra calories. It counteracts the effect of Wegovy on body weight, and you may not get the desired results or experience significant weight loss.
- Alcohol can also raise the risk of side effects like nausea, dehydration, and low blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes or are sensitive to blood sugar changes.
- To stay safe, limit alcohol to moderate levels (no more than 14 units per week), avoid sugary mixers, and talk to your healthcare provider before drinking while on Wegovy to discuss whether it is safe for you.
Wegovy (semaglutide), manufactured by Novo Nordisk, can help people lose weight and keep it off when paired with healthy eating and exercise. Wegovy is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help with long-term weight loss in adults who have obesity (BMI 30 or greater), or those who are overweight (BMI 27 or greater) with at least one weight-related health problem (such as high blood pressure or hypertension, high lipid levels, heart disease, mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes). Wegovy is also indicated to lower the risk of heart and blood vessel-related diseases in adults who have obesity, established heart diseases or are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
People taking Wegovy may also drink alcohol occasionally or in social settings. While there is no direct interaction between Wegovy and alcohol, both can affect appetite, blood sugar, and digestion. That’s why it’s important to be aware of how your body responds when using them together.
This article explains what happens when you drink alcohol while taking Wegovy. It is based on research and expert advice about weight loss medications. We’ll look at how alcohol and Wegovy may affect your body, what risks to watch for, and how to stay safe.
How Wegovy works and its common side effects
Wegovy belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 refers to “glucagon-like peptide-1”, which is a natural hormone in your body. The drug helps control your blood sugar and appetite. Wegovy works by mimicking the effects of this hormone. It sends signals to the brain to help you feel full sooner and for longer after eating, which leads to a lower calorie intake.
Wegovy also slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, a process known as gastric emptying. This not only helps with appetite control but may also lead to changes in how your body handles food and drinks, including alcohol.
Many people using Wegovy lose a significant amount of weight over time. Wegovy is given as a once-weekly injection under the skin and is prescribed for adults with obesity or overweight with related health problems. Like all medications for weight management, Wegovy can cause side effects, such as:
Common side effects
- Nausea (44%): Nausea often improves as your body adjusts to Wegovy.
- Diarrhea (30%): Diarrhea may ease with dose adjustments.
- Vomiting (24%): Vomiting is usually short-term. It subsides over time.
- Constipation (24%): You can prevent it by adding fluids and dietary fibers to your diet and increasing physical activity.
- Abdominal Pain (20%): Abdominal discomfort, flatulence, bloating, and excessive burping may occur. Talk to your doctor if abdominal pain doesn’t improve.
- Headache (14%): May be related to low blood sugar or dehydration. Eat in smaller portions and stay adequately hydrated.
- Fatigue (11%): It occurs due to low energy and nutritional deficiencies. Drink enough water, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and take proper rest to reduce fatigue.
- Indigestion (Bloating/Fullness) (9%): Eat smaller and less dense meals to prevent indigestion.
- Dizziness (8%): Be cautious when driving or standing quickly if you experience dizziness.
Serious but less common side effects
- Pancreatitis: Watch for symptoms like severe stomach/back pain, vomiting, and fever.
- Gallbladder Issues: Watch for pain in the upper abdomen, fever, or yellowing of the skin (signs of gallstones), and clay colored stools
- Kidney Problems: Acute kidney injury occurs due to dehydration. Stay hydrated to avoid worsening symptoms.
- Low Blood Sugar (6%): More likely when Wegovy is used in combination with other diabetes medications. Hypoglycemia required urgent medical care.
- Allergic Reactions: Seek medical help immediately if you develop a rash, swelling of eyes, lips, tongue, face, and throat, breathing difficulties, or difficulty swallowing, which are signs of a hypersensitivity reaction.
- Changes in vision: Wegovy may cause changes in vision or worsen diabetic retinopathy. Inform your doctor as soon as you notice these changes.
Rare side effects
- Increased heart rate: Some users may have a persistently fast or pounding heartbeat.
- Depression/suicidal thoughts: Monitor mood changes and inform your doctor. In case of suicidal ideation, seek help from a psychiatrist and discontinue Wegovy.
- Thyroid Tumor risk: Do not use Wegovy if you have a family history of endocrine tumors (MEN 2 syndrome) or thyroid cancer (especially medullary thyroid cancer).
- Increased risk of aspiration: Notify your doctor about Wegovy use before any surgical procedures, as the medication may increase the risk of aspiration (food getting into the lungs).
- Taste changes: Taste changes are often temporary and mild.
- Hair loss: Hair loss is usually linked to rapid weight loss and poor nutrition. Eat a healthy diet to prevent hair loss.
Why alcohol might interfere with Wegovy
While drinking alcohol in moderation is not strictly forbidden when using Wegovy, they may interact with each other and increase the risk of uncomfortable or even dangerous side effects. Alcohol interferes with Wegovy in the following ways:
Delayed alcohol absorption
Since most alcohol is absorbed in the small intestine, delayed gastric emptying caused by Wegovy can change how your body absorbs and processes alcohol. As a result, you may not feel the effects of alcohol right away.
However, once the drug is absorbed, the effects of alcohol may hit harder or last longer than expected. This can make it difficult to judge how much alcohol your body can tolerate. As you experience delayed side effects, it increases the risk of drinking too much without realizing it.
Increased risk of side effects
If you’re taking Wegovy, drinking alcohol may make some side effects worse. It might be hard to tell whether the symptoms are from alcohol, the medication, or both. For instance:
- One of the most common side effects of Wegovy is nausea, especially in the first few weeks. Alcohol can irritate your stomach and trigger or intensify this feeling.
- Alcohol may also increase acid in the stomach, which can cause acid reflux and heartburn. These side effects are also linked to Wegovy. Your healthcare prescriber may find it hard to adjust your dosage according to the severity of side effects because these side effects overlap.
- Both Wegovy and alcohol can cause dehydration. Alcohol makes you lose fluids by increasing urination.
- If you’re also dealing with vomiting or diarrhea from Wegovy, the risk of dehydration and low blood pressure goes up. This can leave you feeling tired, weak, and dizzy.
Worsened risk of low blood sugar
Wegovy helps control blood sugar. When you add alcohol to the mix, the risk of low blood sugar (or hypoglycemia) can increase. This happens because alcohol interferes with the liver’s ability to release glucose. If you drink while your stomach is empty or you’re not eating enough (which often happens on weight loss medications), your blood sugar can drop too low.
Low blood sugar can cause shakiness, sweating, confusion, dizziness, and in severe cases, fainting. These symptoms can be dangerous, especially if you’re alone or do not realize what is happening. If you are also taking other medications for diabetes, like insulin or sulfonylureas, the risk becomes even higher.
Can you drink alcohol while taking Wegovy?
Yes, you can drink alcohol on Wegovy, but there are some important things to consider:
Your Wegovy dose matters
Wegovy is started at a lower dose, and your doctor increases the dosage gradually over time. Most people start with 0.25 mg per week and may increase gradually up to 2.4 mg per week. The higher the dose you take, the more likely you are to experience side effects, especially nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. These effects tend to be worse in the first few weeks of treatment or during dose escalation.
If you’re still adjusting to Wegovy or are at a higher dose, alcohol may make side effects worse. It can also make it harder to tell if your symptoms are coming from the medicine or the alcohol. If you have just started Wegovy or are increasing your dose, it is best to avoid alcohol or drink only a small amount to see how your body reacts.
Your personal tolerance to alcohol
Everyone’s body reacts differently to alcohol. Some people get dizzy or nauseated easily. Others might experience acid reflux or an upset stomach.
If you already know alcohol does not sit well with you, or if you’ve had strong reactions to it while on Wegovy or other medications, talk to your healthcare provider before mixing alcoholic drinks with Wegovy.
How often you drink
If you only drink occasionally or socially, a small amount of alcohol may not cause major issues. However, drinking regularly or in large amounts can interfere with how well Wegovy works.
Alcohol adds empty calories, which can slow your weight loss progress. It can also increase your risk of dehydration, especially if you’re already experiencing side effects of Wegovy, like diarrhea or vomiting. In people with diabetes or blood sugar issues, alcohol consumption can raise the risk of hypoglycemia, especially when paired with medications like Wegovy.
To get the best results from Wegovy, try to limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, which matches most health guidelines for moderate drinking.
Understanding how alcohol affects the body
Alcohol consumption can affect many different parts of your body, even if you only drink a little. When you’re taking a medication like Wegovy, it’s important to know how alcohol works and why it might cause problems.
Stomach and digestion
Alcohol is harsh on your gut. It irritates your stomach, which can cause nausea, acid reflux, bloating, and even vomiting. It is also a significant risk factor for pancreatitis. Wegovy, on the other hand, slows down the rate at which your stomach empties food, leading to appetite suppression and making you feel fuller for a longer period.
When these two are combined, the likelihood of digestive discomfort increases. The data from clinical trials show that 44% of people using Wegovy report nausea, and 24% experience vomiting. Drinking alcohol while on Wegovy may worsen these effects and make you feel sick more easily.
Blood sugar levels
Alcohol consumption causes a quick rise in blood sugar if you’re drinking something sweet like cocktails or beer. But a few hours later, it can lead to a sharp drop in blood sugar levels. Alcohol blocks your liver from releasing stored glucose into the bloodstream, which leads to low blood sugar levels.
Wegovy helps manage blood glucose levels as part of its role in weight management. When alcohol enters the mix, the risk of low blood sugar increases. This is especially important if you are on insulin or other diabetes medications. Symptoms like dizziness, shakiness, sweating, or confusion may appear. In a trial, about 6.2% of people using Wegovy experienced low blood sugar compared to 2.5% with the placebo.
Liver function
Your liver is the main body part that breaks down alcohol. It can only process one standard drink per hour. When you drink more alcoholic beverages than that, the liver can’t keep up, and alcohol builds up in your bloodstream. That’s when you feel drunk.
Wegovy doesn’t directly harm the liver, but since your liver is also involved in processing medications, adding alcohol can slow everything down. It’s even more concerning if you already have liver issues, which are common in people with obesity. According to global estimates, around 32% of adults have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and drinking alcohol can make that worse.
Dehydration
Alcohol is a diuretic. This means it makes your kidneys release more water, which increases the frequency of urination. That is why you may feel dehydrated or wake up with a dry mouth, headache, or dizziness after drinking.
When combined with Wegovy, which can cause diarrhea or vomiting in some people, your risk of dehydration goes up. Dehydration can also lead to fatigue and lightheadedness, two symptoms already reported in 11-14% of Wegovy users. That is why it is important to drink water alongside alcohol and avoid drinking when you’re already dealing with other side effects.
Brain and thinking
Alcohol slows down your nervous system. As you drink more, your ability to focus and concentrate decreases. Studies show that alcohol starts to impair judgment and reaction time after just one or two drinks, especially when combined with other substances that act on the brain. If you are also taking Wegovy and already feeling tired or dizzy from the medication, alcohol can make it harder to notice symptoms or respond to them in time.
What the research says about Wegovy and alcohol
Wegovy is known for helping people eat less and feel full longer. But what if it could also help people drink less? While Wegovy isn’t approved to treat alcohol use disorder, that’s exactly what new research in psychiatry is beginning to suggest.
Reduced alcohol cravings & intake
A 2025 phase II trial published in JAMA found that low doses of semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) may help people with alcohol use disorder drink less. The medication did not reduce how often people drank, but it reduced the quantity of alcohol intake. Semaglutide also helped reduce alcohol cravings and heavy drinking over time. In cigarette smokers, it also reduced the number of cigarettes they smoked each day.
Moreover, a recent review of six studies, including over 88,000 people, assessed whether GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy can help reduce alcohol use. Some people (especially those with obesity) experienced a drop in the frequency of alcohol intake, and fewer alcohol-related health issues were noticed. One study even showed that there was reduced brain activity in areas linked to alcohol cravings. These early findings suggest Wegovy may offer added benefits for certain individuals, but more research is needed before it can be recommended as a treatment for alcohol use disorder.
Animal research on semglutide and alcohol
In a lab study on rats, semaglutide helped both male and female rats drink less alcohol and avoid relapses. The medication also lowered the way alcohol affects the brain’s reward system, which may reduce cravings. Moreover, semaglutide reached the part of the brain linked to pleasure and addiction (called the nucleus accumbens). It changed how certain brain chemicals, like dopamine, behaved.
Moreover, the rats also lost weight. These results suggest that semaglutide might help people who are overweight and struggle with alcohol use. More research in humans is needed to confirm these effects.
The effects of other GLP-1 drugs on alcohol use
Other GLP-1 receptor agonists show similar effects on alcohol use. Let’s review the impact of other GLP-1 medications on alcohol use:
| GLP-1 Receptor Agonist | Effect on Alcohol Use |
|---|---|
| Liraglutide (Saxenda) | A large 2025 Swedish study showed that semaglutide and liraglutide lowered the chance of being hospitalized for alcohol problems. Semaglutide cut the risk by 36%, and liraglutide by 28%, thus doing better than regular medications. Another 2024 study in mice found that liraglutide helped reduce alcohol drinking, anxiety, and memory problems after withdrawal. It also helped fix brain damage caused by alcohol. |
| Exenatide (Byetta) | In a 2022 study, people with alcohol use disorder were given exenatide (a weekly injection) or a placebo for 26 weeks, along with therapy. Overall, exenatide did not reduce heavy drinking more than the placebo. But brain scans showed it lowered activity in brain areas linked to alcoholic cravings. In people with obesity, it helped reduce drinking and total alcohol use. Most side effects were mild stomach problems. |
| Dulaglutide (Trulicity) | In a 2023 study, people trying to quit smoking were given dulaglutide or a placebo for 12 weeks. The medicine was meant to help with smoking, but researchers also looked at alcohol use. People who took dulaglutide drank 29% less alcohol than those who took the placebo. This drop in drinking didn’t depend on whether they quit smoking or not. |
Guidelines for safe alcohol use while taking Wegovy
If you decide to drink alcoholic beverages while using Wegovy, it’s important to do so safely. These tips can help reduce risks and keep you feeling your best while taking weight-loss drugs.
Moderation is key
Follow standard drinking limits. That means you can take up to one drink per day for women and up to two for men. More than this can increase side effects like nausea, dizziness, vomiting, or low blood sugar.
Choose better options
Dry wine, light beer, or spirits with zero-sugar mixers are good choices. Avoid sugary cocktails. They can raise your blood glucose quickly and lead to crashes later. Sugary flavours counteract the effect of Wegovy on weight loss.
Start slow and watch how you feel.
Try a small amount of alcohol while taking Wegovy to see how your body reacts. Afterwards, increase its quantity slowly and gradually within safe limits. Everyone reacts differently, and side effects can be different.
Eat when you drink
Having alcohol with food helps slow how it is absorbed. This can protect your stomach and help keep your blood sugar more stable.
Drink water often
Stay hydrated by drinking as much water as you consume alcoholic drinks. This helps prevent dehydration, reduces your alcohol intake, and decreases the risk of side effects.
Pay attention to timing
Try not to drink close to your injection day. This is when side effects like nausea and fatigue are usually stronger.
Check your blood sugar if needed
If you have type 2 diabetes or blood sugar concerns, monitor your levels more often when drinking alcohol.
Recognize the signs of low blood sugar
Watch for shakiness, dizziness, sweating, confusion, slurred speech, headaches, and feeling jittery, which are common signs of low blood sugar levels. Keep a small snack or glucose tablet nearby in case you need it.
Talk to your doctor
Always ask a healthcare professional about alcohol consumption while taking Wegovy. They will advise you based on your exact health needs.
Consider taking a break.
If alcohol worsens your side effects or makes you feel unwell, take a break. Do not take alcohol for some time.
Be careful after consuming alcohol
Avoid driving or using heavy machines after drinking. Alcohol and Wegovy together may affect your coordination more than usual.
Does alcohol affect Wegovy’s weight loss results?
If you’re using Wegovy to lose weight, drinking alcohol may slow your progress. Even small amounts can make a difference over time and can increase body weight.
Alcohol adds extra calories
Every gram of alcohol has 7 calories. These are called empty calories because they give you no nutrients and only result in weight gain. A glass of wine or any mixed alcoholic drink can easily add 100 to 300 calories to your day. If you drink often, it may reduce the calorie deficit your body needs to lose weight.
It may increase cravings
Alcohol can make you feel more relaxed, but it also lowers self-control. This can result in your indulging in overeating or making unhealthy food choices. Wegovy helps reduce appetite, but alcohol may work against that by making you want larger meals and fatty foods.
It slows down fat burning
Your liver is in charge of breaking down alcohol. While your liver is doing that, it stops burning fat. That means your body puts fat burning on hold until the alcohol is gone from your system. This makes it harder to lose weight when you drink regularly.
When to avoid alcohol while on Wegovy
While moderate alcohol use may be safe for some people taking Wegovy, there are some conditions where it is better to skip it altogether. Your health and safety always come first during your weight loss journey.
If you have a history of stomach issues
Wegovy can result in digestive side effects like nausea, vomiting, or reflux. If you already have digestive problems, alcohol may make them worse. It can irritate the stomach and slow digestion even more.
If you’ve had alcohol-related problems before
If you have a history of alcohol misuse, liver issues, or alcohol-triggered health problems, such as fatty liver, you should be extra cautious. Wegovy may reduce alcoholic cravings, but it has not been approved as a treatment for alcohol use disorder.
If you have poorly controlled diabetes
Alcohol can cause sudden changes in blood sugar. If you already have frequent blood sugar highs and lows, drinking alcohol is a risk factor for serious drops in blood sugar.
If Wegovy makes you feel dizzy or tired
Some people feel lightheaded or fatigued while on Wegovy, especially in the first few weeks. Alcohol can make those feelings stronger. If you already struggle with balance, focus, or energy, it’s safer to avoid alcohol.
If your doctor says no
Your healthcare provider knows all about your medical history and current medications. If they have advised you not to drink while on Wegovy, it’s important to follow their guidance. Their medical advice is based on your individual risks and needs.
If you are pregnant
Wegovy is not recommended during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Wegovy, both the medication and alcohol should be discontinued.
Wegovy and alcohol FAQs
Can I have a glass of wine on Wegovy?
If your body tolerates alcohol and you do not have any medical condition in which alcohol is not suitable, a single glass of wine or a drink now and then is generally safe for most people, but it is best to start with a small amount and see how you feel.
Does alcohol make Wegovy less effective?
Alcohol adds extra calories and may increase cravings or slow down fat burning. Drinking too much or too often can work against your weight loss goals, and you may not get the expected results with Wegovy.
Why do I feel sick after drinking on Wegovy?
Wegovy slows down the rate at which your stomach empties. Alcohol can irritate your stomach and cause nausea, bloating, or vomiting. If you are already experiencing side effects from Wegovy, alcohol may worsen them and make you feel more sick.
Can Wegovy help with alcohol cravings?
Early research suggests semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) may reduce cravings for alcohol by affecting reward centers in the brain. Some people taking Wegovy report drinking less or feeling less interested in alcohol. But more studies are needed before it can be recommended for alcohol use.
Conclusion: Exercising caution when drinking alcohol while taking Wegovy
If you drink alcohol while taking Wegovy, it’s important to be careful. Alcohol can make side effects like nausea, tiredness, and dizziness worse. It can also reduce your blood sugar too much, especially if you have diabetes or don’t eat properly. Drinking adds extra calories, which can counteract the effects of Wegovy and slow down your weight loss. You may not experience significant weight changes and see desired results with Wegovy. If you have stomach problems, liver disease, or past alcohol issues, it’s best to avoid drinking.
If you choose to drink, consult with your healthcare provider first. Maintain a moderate pace, drink sufficient water, and be mindful of how your body feels. Talk to your healthcare provider to stay safe during your weight loss journey.
