Ozempic and Alcohol: Can you drink alcohol on Ozempic for weight loss?

Ozempic alone isn’t a magic solution. If you’re looking to achieve sustainable weight loss, it requires more than just medication to reach your goals. Making meaningful adjustments to your diet and routine is essential for long-term success.

But how much change is necessary?

Making informed choices about your lifestyle can help you maximize the benefits of Ozempic and stay on track with your health goals. It’s important to understand how certain choices will impact your weight loss journey or the efficacy of the medication.

One common question many individuals have: can you drink alcohol while taking Ozempic for weight loss?

Can you drink alcohol while taking Ozempic for weight loss?

The FDA has not issued any warnings about drinking alcohol on Ozempic. So, technically, the answer is yes, you can drink alcohol on Ozempic. But, the full answer is a little more nuanced.

Does alcohol affect Ozempic?

While there are no known interactions between Ozempic and alcohol, it does have the potential to undermine the benefits of the medication—and can potentially worsen side effects.

How can alcohol undermine your weight loss with Ozempic?

Promotes weight gain. Alcohol is high in calories and can not only slow down your metabolism but actually prevent your body from burning fat. The result is weight gain. If you’re not drinking heavily or often, this may not impact your end goal, but it can hinder your progress along the way.
Increases hunger. Alcohol can actually make you feel more hungry—this directly counteracts the impact Ozempic has on your satiety.
Promotes unhealthy choices. Not only does alcohol make you hungrier, it makes you crave salty and greasy foods. So, the food choices you make while drinking can have an impact on your weight loss journey.

Side effects from drinking alcohol on Ozempic

Ozempic and alcohol consumption have similar side effects. Drinking alcohol on Ozempic can exacerbate the medication’s side effects and cause both short- and long-term issues.

Drinking alcohol on Ozempic can increase the risk of:

Hypoglycemia. When you drink, your liver focuses its attention on processing the alcohol. Which means it’s not releasing glucose and your blood sugar could drop dangerously.
Nausea and other GI issues. Issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain are the most common Ozempic (semaglutide) side effects. Alcohol also irritates the digestive system, which can increase the impact of these Ozempic side effects.
Kidney damage. Though rare, Ozempic is known to cause acute kidney injury. Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause kidney damage by impairing its ability to filter waste and regulate fluid levels.

While Ozempic itself does not cause dehydration, the GI side effects can. Alcohol is a known diuretic. Combined, they significantly increase the risk of dehydration. Dehydration not only causes blood sugar spikes, prolonged or repeated dehydration can increase the potential for kidney damage.
Pancreatitis. Another rare Ozempic side effect, pancreatitis has also been linked to excessive alcohol consumption. Dehydration can also increase the risk.
Muscle loss. The rapid weight loss associated with Ozempic can lead to muscle loss. Alcohol can also decrease muscle mass—while increasing fat mass.

Tips how to limit alcohol use if you are on Ozempic

Semaglutide (same active ingredient as Ozempic) has been shown to actually curb alcohol cravings. It is currently being studied as a treatment for alcohol abuse.

A study on rodents showed that semaglutide caused a reduction of alcohol consumption and binge-like drinking. It also appears to remove the pleasure from drinking alcohol, which can lower the desire to drink.

To lessen your alcohol consumption, it is recommended that you:

Drink slowly. This can lead to less consumption in each sitting, lowering your overall intake.
Drink non-alcoholic alternatives. Non-alcoholic alternatives give you the flavor of your preferred drinks without the alcohol.

If you still want to drink while on Ozempic, but are looking to minimize the side effects:

Drink slowly. This not only lowers your intake, it can actually give your body more time to process the alcohol. It puts less strain on your systems, which can mitigate side effects.
Stay hydrated. Hydration should be a priority while on Ozempic, and even more so if you’re drinking while on Ozempic. The potential side effects linked to dehydration on Ozempic are dangerous and cause long-term issues. Don’t take the risk, stay hydrated.

Lose weight with Ozempic for weight loss

If you’re taking Ozempic for weight loss, it’s always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice on how alcohol may affect your treatment plan. They can help you understand the potential interactions and provide guidance tailored to your needs.

If you’re ready to start your weight loss journey with Ozempic, you can easily register with Heally and get your prescription online. Take the next step toward reaching your health goals today!