Can you drink alcohol on Wegovy? Risks and considerations

Wegovy is a medication that contains the active ingredient semaglutide. This can help with weight loss when taken according to a doctor or pharmacist’s instructions.

It works by mimicking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) – a hormone that helps control blood sugar and appetite.

Taking semaglutide helps reduce hunger, promotes the feeling of fullness, and improves blood sugar control, all of which support weight loss efforts.

Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking Wegovy, but with caution.

Wegovy does not interact with alcohol, but alcohol can still worsen side effects.

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, does not advise against consuming alcohol in their product leaflet. However, drinking alcohol while on Wegovy may worsen common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fatigue, which have been reported by users of GLP-1 medications.

Because alcohol can lower blood sugar and semaglutide changes how your body regulates appetite and insulin, the combination can make your blood sugar levels more unpredictable if you have diabetes.

Both prescribers and pharmacists generally advise limiting alcohol consumption, particularly if you get gastrointestinal symptoms or other side effects from the medication.

We recommend you speak with your doctor if you have liver issues, diabetes, or a history of digestive sensitivity, as these conditions can increase the risks associated with mixing alcohol and Wegovy. Always discuss your alcohol intake with your prescribing doctor to make sure you're making safe choices while on the medication.

"While it’s generally considered safe to drink in moderation while taking weight loss medication like Wegovy, doctors advise staying within the standard guidance of no more than 14 units per week, spread across several days. For some people, alcohol can also increase the chance of unpleasant side effects, including stomach upsets.” – Dr Crystal Wyllie, Online Doctor.

What is a unit of alcohol?

To give you a sense of what counts as a unit according to NHS England, here’s a quick breakdown:

• 1 unit = half a pint of regular beer/lager/cider, half a small glass of wine, or a single measure of spirits
• 1.5 units = an alcopop or 275ml bottle of regular lager
• 2 units = a pint of regular beer or a 440ml can of regular cider
• 3 units = a 250ml glass of 12% wine or a pint of strong lager
• 9 units = a 75cl bottle of 12% wine

Alcohol does not affect how Wegovy works, but it can influence your weight loss results. For example, it can slow your weight loss progress in the following ways.

Adding ‘empty’ calories to your diet

Alcohol provides a significant number of empty calories – calories that do not offer nutritional value. These extra calories may slow or prevent further weight loss.

Lowering inhibitions

Alcohol tends to reduce self-control around food choices. This could hinder your weight loss efforts by increasing calorie intake.

Impacting metabolism and hydration

Alcohol can temporarily mean the body burns less fat and lead to dehydration, both of which are important factors in effective weight management. Dehydration, in particular, can also worsen side effects like dizziness and fatigue.

Reducing sleep quality

Alcohol can affect sleep quality, and poor sleep is linked to imbalances in hunger hormones. This can lead to increased appetite and cravings, potentially undermining weight loss efforts.

If you drink alcohol while taking Wegovy, you may experience certain side effects.

Some of the common side effects of Wegovy (such as nausea) may become more noticeable when alcohol is consumed. This may be because alcohol can have similar effects on the body. The table outlines symptoms that may be more likely or more noticeable, based on what alcohol and Wegovy can each cause separately:

➤ If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, you should be especially cautious, as alcohol can worsen blood sugar fluctuations, which can be difficult to manage when taking Wegovy.

There are situations when it’s best to abstain from alcohol completely while taking Wegovy. These include if you are:

• getting persistent nausea, vomiting, or dizziness on Wegovy, as alcohol can make these symptoms worse
• managing type 2 diabetes or are taking insulin therapy, as alcohol can cause significant drops in blood sugar
• diagnosed with liver disease or pancreatitis, as alcohol can put additional strain on these organs, especially when combined with medications like Wegovy
• new to Wegovy – particularly during the dose-titration phase, when your body is adjusting to the medication

➤ If any of these situations apply to you, speak with your doctor before drinking alcohol again. For further assistance, use Asda Online Doctor’s weight loss treatment service.

3 signs you need to speak to a doctor

If you have any persistent or concerning symptoms after drinking alcohol while on Wegovy, it's important to speak with your doctor. This includes symptoms like:

1. Persistent vomiting.
2. Severe dehydration.
3. Confusion or disorientation.
4. Severe abdominal pain.

These are symptoms of excessive alcohol consumption, but they’re also signs of a more serious reaction to the medication or an underlying problem that requires medical attention, so they should not be ignored.

There is currently no evidence that drinking alcohol while taking Wegovy is unsafe, but long-term data is limited.

However, it’s important to remember this is a relatively new medication, and we just do not know enough about how it might interact with alcohol in the long term. So, it’s generally best to proceed with caution. In any case, reducing alcohol consumption has plenty of other benefits – not only for weight loss, but for your general health too.

If you're looking to start or continue your weight loss journey, Asda Online Doctor’s weight loss treatment service is available to help guide you through the process, including managing your Wegovy plan and any concerns about alcohol consumption.