Can You Drink on a GLP-1? 7 Things to Consider
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Can You Drink on a GLP-1? 7 Things to Consider

Can You Drink on a GLP-1? 7 Things to Consider
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Published on December 23, 2024
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GLP-1 medications have gained a reputation for being a magic bullet in the treatment of type 2 diabetes management and obesity. But the truth is doctors prescribe these drugs in conjunction with diet and lifestyle changes to minimize side effects and maximize effectiveness.

One common diet question among people taking these drugs, which include Ozempic or Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy or Zepbound for obesity, is: Can I drink on a GLP-1?

The short answer is yes, alcohol in moderation on a weight loss drug may be okay if your doctor says so (keep in mind that drinking carries health risks of its own).

 The long answer is that while research is limited, health experts say alcoholic beverages pose some theoretical health risks to people on GLP-1 drugs — and in general, imbibing may interfere with your health and weight loss goals. Here are some things to consider, including a discussion with your healthcare team, before you mix booze and a GLP-1 medication.

1. Drinking on a GLP-1 Can Affect Blood Sugar Levels

If you are on a GLP-1 drug to treat type 2 diabetes, take note. “Both alcohol and [GLP-1 drugs] can decrease blood sugar levels, and this could be dangerous, particularly in those that are also on insulin or other blood-sugar-lowering medications,” says Brianna Johnson-Rabbett, MD, the interim medical director of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. By definition, GLP-1 drugs aim to lower blood sugar levels.

 Mixing alcohol and certain medications used to treat type 2 diabetes could result in low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, which causes symptoms including drowsiness, slurred speech, and trouble walking.

2. Alcohol Can Increase the Risk of Pancreatitis, a GLP-1 Complication

One complication in particular is especially problematic. “Pancreatitis has been reported in association with use of [GLP-1 medications],” says Dr. Johnson-Rabbett.

 Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, with symptoms like pain in the upper portion of the belly, fever, and vomiting.

 “Alcohol is one of the most common causes of pancreatitis,” Johnson-Rabbett adds.

 “Though there is no clear evidence that being on a [GLP-1 drug] increases risk of pancreatitis specifically due to alcohol intake, caution is warranted,” she says.

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3. GLP-1 Drugs May Reduce Alcohol Cravings

If you have no desire to drink alcohol on your GLP-1 medication, you’re not imagining things. Preliminary research shows it happens, though scientists don’t know exactly why. “There are reports of persons using GLP-1 inhibitors losing their interest in alcohol,” says Anne McTiernan, MD, PhD, an internist and epidemiologist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, who studies ways to prevent cancer through lifestyle changes like weight loss. “One study is even suggesting that GLP-1 inhibitors should be looked at for use in alcohol addiction disorders for this reason,” Dr. McTiernan adds.

So take this as good news. “If a person on GLP-1 finds they have lost interest in alcohol, I'd say enjoy that feeling, pass on the drink, and celebrate with sparkling water or something else nonalcoholic,” advises McTiernan. “There are many excellent nonalcoholic drinks available now,” she adds.

4. Too Much Alcohol Can Hamper Weight Loss Efforts

Weight loss is one of the main reasons people go on a GLP-1 drug.

 But no drug, even a GLP-1, is a magic bullet for losing weight — what you consume still matters when it comes to creating a calorie deficit (that is, burning more calories than you take in each day). “Alcohol does contain calories — approximately 100 calories in a glass of wine, 150 calories in a can of beer, 100 calories in one ounce of liquor,” says McTiernan.

 “An occasional drink won't tip the scales; if someone is bingeing frequently, however, then those calories would add up,” McTiernan says.
Illustrative graphic titled Can You Drink on a GLP-1? 7 Things to Consider shows light beer: 12 oz= 103 cals, regular beer: 12 oz=152 cals, white wine: 5 oz= 121 cals, 80-proof liquor: 1.5 oz= 97 cals and red wine: 5 oz= 125 cals. Everyday Health logo
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5. Alcohol May Raise the Risk of Certain Side Effects of GLP-1s

Nausea is a common (and unpleasant) side effect of GLP-1s, according to researchers.

 Meanwhile, alcohol can lead to nausea (as many people have experienced when they drink too much) because of acetaldehyde, a by-product that's produced when your body processes alcohol.

 Whether combining the two might make nausea worse hasn’t been researched, but it could be yet another reason to avoid alcohol — for the sake of your stomach.
GLP-1s also make some people feel more tired.

 On top of that, alcohol can disrupt sleep, which could lead to further fatigue (although studies haven’t been conducted on this topic yet).

6. Skipping Alcohol Can Support Overall Health

Many people go on a GLP-1 drug to improve their well-being, and alcohol and health usually don’t mix. "The WHO even notes that no level of alcohol intake is safe, due to concerns regarding increased risk of cancer with one to two drinks per day," says Johnson-Rabbett.

 "Overall, there are many risks in relation to alcohol use, including severe liver problems," says Johnson-Rabbett.

 So, if you're currently abstaining from alcohol, it could be worth keeping up the sobriety. "There's no known downside to avoiding alcohol," says McTiernan.

7. Talk to Your Doctor Before You Indulge

Most importantly, if you’re on a GLP-1 medication and want a drink, discuss how much (if any) is safe for you with your doctor, says McTiernan. “Usual guidelines for the general population now are no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, to avoid much of the adverse effects of alcohol,” she says. But note that those are the parameters for the general public — and your doctor will likely tailor the recommendations specifically to your case.

The Takeaway

  • Research on the health effects of drinking alcohol while taking a GLP-1 drug is limited.
  • While alcohol use on a GLP-1 may be okay, the choice carries some theoretical risks, including reduced weight loss potential and possibly worsened side effects of GLP-1s.
  • For those reasons, and because alcohol poses health risks of its own, ask your doctor if you should avoid alcohol while you’re on a GLP-1 (and if not, how much is safe) before you imbibe.
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Sean Hashmi, MD

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Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Sean Hashmi, MD, is an experienced nephrologist and obesity medicine specialist based in Southern California. As the regional director for clinical nutrition and weight management at a prominent healthcare organization in Southern California, Dr. Hashmi oversees the development and implementation of cutting-edge nutritional programs and weight management strategies. With his innovative approach and unwavering commitment to providing evidence-based solutions, he is a highly sought-after speaker and a leader in his field.

Hashmi founded the nonprofit organization SelfPrinciple.org to provide accessible and accurate health, nutrition, and wellness information to the public. Through this platform, he shares the latest research findings, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being. Self Principle also supports children's education by providing scholarships, books, and supplies, so that students have the resources necessary to succeed academically and build a brighter future.

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Leslie Barrie

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Leslie Barrie is a health and nutrition writer and editor who loves running marathons and attempting to cook healthy meals for her family (even if they don’t always turn out as planned). She received her bachelor of science degree at UCLA and her master of science degree at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She has written and edited for publications like Health magazine, Seventeen, and Woman’s Day. Leslie won a Hearst Spotlight Award for her work in 2018 at Woman’s Day, and helped plan the Woman’s Day Red Dress Awards, an event honoring changemakers fighting to end heart disease in women.

When she isn’t writing, Leslie loves chasing her daughter and son around outside, going on family hikes, and starting her day with a big bowl of muesli.
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