Wegovy and Alcohol: Can You Drink Alcohol While Using Wegovy?

Wegovy is the popular medication meant to aid in weight loss. This is a welcome medication for many people who struggle with losing weight or the development of weight-related conditions. 

But, how does Wegovy pair up with certain lifestyle choices like drinking alcoholic beverages? Can you drink alcohol while using Wegovy?

Below, we will cover if there is an interaction between alcohol and Wegovy, and some other things to keep in mind about how alcohol and Wegovy behave when combined together.

Is there an interaction between Wegovy and alcohol?

Technically, there is no mention of an interaction between Wegovy and alcohol in the package insert or prescribing information. But, there may be some aspects of alcohol that make it not the best pairing for Wegovy, diabetes, or weight loss in general.

Alcohol may increase the gastrointestinal side effects of Wegovy

Wegovy, and other medications in the same class, can come along with uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects including:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Alcohol use can also lead to the development of these same digestive issues, especially when consumed in excess. So, using alcohol along with Wegovy may make these situations worse.

Alcohol may cause hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia

Even though Wegovy is technically not a diabetes medication, the same active ingredient used in Wegovy was originally used in Ozempic, a diabetes drug. The active ingredient in both of these is Semaglutide.

When using Wegovy, you may have a decline in your blood sugar levels. Alcohol can also cause a decline in blood sugar levels and also an increase in your blood sugar levels, making it more difficult to keep your blood sugar balanced.

When using Wegovy with alcohol, there is a potential for a dangerous drop in your blood sugar levels. This decline may be even more worrisome for people who also have diabetes.

For this reason, it may not be a good idea to pair these together.

Alcohol may contain a lot of calories

Part of the way that Wegovy helps you manage your weight is that it helps you feel less hungry, and consume fewer calories overall. It can also reduce your cravings and help you make healthier food choices.

Alcoholic beverages may throw a wrench in the Wegovy process in a few ways. Firstly, alcoholic drinks themselves can be relatively high in calories. When drinking your calories, it can be easier to consume more calories without necessarily feeling full.

Also, if you are having a few drinks, it can be easier to fall off the wagon with your healthy food choices, and go for that late-night pizza or fast food stop.

So, while drinking moderately on occasion may not throw you off your weight loss journey, if it is a regular thing or you drink more than recommended, it may make it harder to reach your goals.

Alcohol use may increase your risk of dehydration

Some people can find themselves becoming dehydrated when using medications like Wegovy. This is because they may be eating and drinking less than usual, and this can lead to less dietary intake of fluids.

Alcoholic beverages can also lead to dehydration, and this may compound the problem.

Wegovy and alcohol: Bottom line

Wegovy does not have a documented interaction with alcoholic beverages. And, having a low or moderate amount of alcohol on occasion when using this medication may be ok for some. 

But, looking into both of these substances, there are a few potential conflicts that stand out.

Both Wegovy and alcohol can cause gastrointestinal side effects, so combining them together may make these issues worse or more likely. Wegovy and alcohol can also cause low blood sugar levels, leaving you feeling dizzy or may be dangerous for some people including diabetics. Finally, alcohol can contain a lot of calories, or make it harder to refuse unhealthy foods. This may make it harder to meet your weight loss goals.

If you aren’t sure if alcohol is safe for you to use along with your Wegovy treatment, or you aren’t sure how it can fit in without making it harder to reach your goals, talk with your doctor to get their opinion for your specific situation.

PeptideVite for general digestive health while using GLP-1 medications

PeptideVite is a supplement developed by pharmacists and doctors to help with general digestive comfort.* This supplement contains herbs, vitamins, and extracts meant to aid in healthy digestion.* It is suggested to use this supplement along with your weight loss medications, like Wegovy, to hopefully make your journey a little more comfortable.*

Learn more about PeptideVite from Zen Nutrients today.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.