Wegovy® Side Effects With Alcohol: What to Know
Key Takeaways:
There’s no official drug interaction between Wegovy® and alcohol, but drinking may worsen some common side effects and slow weight loss.
Alcohol can raise the risk of low blood sugar, especially if you have type 2 diabetes or drink on an empty stomach.
Excessive drinking may increase the risk of pancreatitis.
Talk to a healthcare provider before combining Wegovy® and alcohol, and drink mindfully if you choose to do so.
Starting a new weight loss medication often brings up a long list of questions — one of the most common is about alcohol. Can you drink on Wegovy®?
The short answer: Yes, you can usually drink alcohol while on Wegovy® (semaglutide). But moderation matters.
There’s no rule that says you must avoid alcohol entirely. However, alcohol intake can worsen certain side effects of Wegovy®, slow down weight loss progress, and, in some cases, raise medical risks.
Let’s discuss how alcohol affects your body on semaglutide, potential Wegovy® side effects with alcohol, and how to drink safely (if you choose to) while staying on track with your weight management goals.
How Wegovy® Works
Wegovy® is a once-weekly injection containing semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It mimics GLP-1, a natural gut hormone.
By activating GLP-1 receptors, Wegovy®:
Slows down how quickly food moves through the stomach (gastric emptying)
Helps you feel fuller sooner and longer
Regulates blood glucose levels
When combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity, Wegovy® can promote weight loss. Clinical trials show it’s an effective, safe weight loss treatment for many people.
In the United Kingdom, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved Wegovy® for treating obesity in adults.
Other GLP-1 receptor agonists — like Ozempic® (also semaglutide, for type 2 diabetes), Saxenda® (liraglutide), and Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) — work in similar ways. As such, they have comparable side effects.
Weight loss your way
Wegovy® Side Effects With Alcohol
There’s no evidence that alcohol causes a direct drug interaction with semaglutide. But alcohol and GLP-1 medications share several overlapping side effects. Combining the two can make those effects more noticeable.
The most common side effects of Wegovy® include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Heartburn or indigestion
A tired or weak feeling
Dizziness
Though these side effects are often mild and temporary, drinking might make them worse.
Why Alcohol Might Make Wegovy® Side Effects Worse
Alcohol itself can irritate the stomach lining, increase acid production, and slow digestion — similar to what semaglutide does.
When combining alcohol and Wegovy®, you may have:
More nausea or bloating after drinking
Heightened acid reflux or heartburn
Digestive upset, like constipation or diarrhoea
General upset stomach or discomfort
Headaches or fatigue
Certain alcoholic beverages tend to cause more trouble than others: For instance:
Wine can aggravate acid reflux for some.
Beer and fizzy drinks can trigger bloating or burping.
Sugary cocktails may spike blood sugar levels before dropping them later.
If you experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms from Wegovy®, adding alcohol can make them worse.
Alcohol and Weight Loss Progress
Technically, you can drink while using Wegovy®, but doing so can make weight loss harder or slower. Here’s why:
Empty calories. Alcohol provides calories without nutrients, which can slow your progress towards your weight loss goals.
Cravings and overeating. Alcohol lowers inhibitions, which can lead to overeating or reaching for late-night snacks.
Slower metabolism. Alcohol is processed by the liver before fat, which can delay fat burning.
Sleep and hormones. Drinking disrupts sleep and can affect hunger hormones, making weight gain more likely over time.
If your goal is sustainable weight loss and weight management, try to think of alcohol as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular habit.
Low Blood Sugar Risk (Hypoglycaemia)
While Wegovy® alone rarely causes low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), the risk rises if you have type 2 diabetes or take other weight loss drugs or diabetes treatments like insulin or sulfonylureas.
Alcohol itself can lower blood glucose levels, especially when consumed on an empty stomach. This is because alcohol prevents the liver from releasing stored glucose.
Combined with semaglutide’s appetite-suppressing effects, this can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.
Symptoms of low blood sugar may include:
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Shakiness or sweating
Hunger
Blurred vision
Fatigue
Fast heartbeat or palpitations
Slurred speech or confusion
If you experience these symptoms, have a quick source of sugar — like fruit juice, glucose tablets, or sweets — and let your general practitioner (GP) or private prescriber know.
Tip: Don’t skip meals before drinking, and limit the amount of alcohol you drink to stay safe.
Pancreatitis and Other Serious Risks
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) is a rare but serious side effect of Wegovy®. Heavy or excessive alcohol consumption can increase that risk.
Alcohol is one of the most common causes of acute pancreatitis, second only to gallstones. Since GLP-1 medicines already carry a small pancreatitis risk, combining the two can heighten it further.
Seek medical attention immediately if you notice:
Persistent, severe abdominal pain
Feeling sick or vomiting
Fever
Your GP or a private healthcare professional may advise stopping the medication while the cause is assessed.
How Alcohol Affects Your Body on Semaglutide
When you’re on a GLP-1 like Wegovy®, several changes in how your body processes food and drink can alter your experience of alcohol.
Change
What Happens
Why It Matters
Slower digestion
Alcohol stays in system longer
May feel intoxicated faster
Reduced appetite
May drink on an empty stomach
Higher risk of low blood sugar
Lower body weight
Less fat + less body water
Stronger effects from same amount of alcohol
Altered metabolism
Liver enzymes process alcohol before fat
May slow fat loss + recovery
Even if you feel fine after one glass of wine or a pint, your tolerance may change significantly once you start taking Wegovy®.
Unlock your treatment plan
5 Tips for Drinking Safely on Wegovy®
If you choose to drink, you can reduce potential risks with a few small adjustments.
1. Start Slowly
You may find alcohol affects you more strongly on Wegovy®. Begin with less than your usual amount of alcohol, and sip slowly to gauge tolerance.
2. Eat Before Drinking
Having food in your stomach helps regulate blood sugar levels and alcohol absorption. Opt for balanced snacks with complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats — like wholemeal toast with nut butter or cheese and fruit.
3. Choose Lower-Calorie or Alcohol-Free Options
Swap sugary cocktails for lighter alcoholic drinks, such as a small glass of wine, a light beer, or spirits mixed with soda water and citrus. Alcohol-free and low-alcohol alternatives are also a great way to socialise without risking empty calories or discomfort.
4. Stay Hydrated
Both alcohol and semaglutide can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and alternate alcoholic beverages with plain or sparkling water.
5. Check In With a Healthcare Professional
If you have any underlying health conditions — such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), or a history of pancreatitis — always speak with a healthcare professional before drinking. They can offer personalised medical advice and help you balance your weight loss goals with your lifestyle.
Can Wegovy® Reduce Alcohol Cravings?
Some early clinical trials and studies suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide or liraglutide (Saxenda®) may reduce how much alcohol a person chooses to drink.
In one clinical trial, low doses of semaglutide reduced alcohol cravings in people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Interestingly, it also lowered the number of cigarettes most participants smoked per day.
Another study included 227,866 people with alcohol use disorder. It found that semaglutide and liraglutide were associated with a decreased risk of hospitalisation due to AUD.
The mechanism isn’t fully understood, but researchers think GLP-1 may influence the brain’s reward system — the same area involved in cravings and addictive behaviours.
In short: Wegovy® isn’t a proven treatment for alcohol use disorder, but reduced cravings can be a welcome (and health-positive) side effect for some.
Wegovy® and Alcohol: In Summary
There’s no clear prohibition against alcohol while taking Wegovy®, but moderation is important. Here’s why:
Drinking may worsen the side effects of Wegovy®. For example, it can irritate your stomach, worsen nausea, and cause headaches.
In rare cases, it may worsen health risks. Excessive consumption of alcohol may raise your risk of pancreatitis and low blood pressure, for example.
Alcohol could slow weight loss. Generally, alcoholic drinks contain a lot of empty calories. This might sabotage your weight loss efforts.
If you decide to drink, start small, eat beforehand, stay hydrated, and be mindful of how your body reacts. When in doubt, ask your GP or private prescriber for tailored guidance.
Your weight loss journey is personal, and your healthcare team can help you find the balance that supports your goals safely.
Your plan is waiting
FAQs
See answers to common questions about Wegovy® side effects with alcohol.
Can you drink alcohol on Wegovy®?
Yes, you can drink alcohol on Wegovy®, but it’s best to drink in moderation. Alcohol can worsen common side effects, like nausea or bloating, and may increase the risk of low blood sugar or pancreatitis.
Does alcohol slow down weight loss on Wegovy®?
Alcohol can slow down weight loss on Wegovy®. Alcohol adds empty calories, affects hormones that regulate hunger, and can trigger overeating. Regular drinking may make weight loss slower while taking the medication.
What happens if I drink on an empty stomach while taking Wegovy®?
Drinking on an empty stomach while taking Wegovy® may cause your blood sugar to drop quickly, especially if you take diabetes medication. Eat some food, ideally something with carbohydrates, before drinking.
Can Wegovy® help reduce alcohol cravings?
Some research suggests GLP-1 medicines like semaglutide and liraglutide may reduce cravings and alcohol consumption in people with alcohol use disorder. But these medications aren’t approved for that purpose.
How much alcohol is safe while taking Wegovy®?
Follow general U.K. guidelines for the safe limit of alcoholic drinks while taking Wegovy®. The National Health Service (NHS) suggests no more than 14 units (small alcoholic beverages) per week, spread across several days. Start with a smaller amount of alcohol and see how you feel.
You can use the UK’s unit calculator to see how many units are in each drink and see how much you’re consuming.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your GP about the risks and benefits of any treatment.