Key takeaways:
Wegovy (semaglutide) is an injectable medication. It’s used for weight loss and to lower the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in certain people.
Alcohol doesn’t directly interact with Wegovy. But you may have less desire to drink because of how Wegovy affects the brain.
If you do drink, be aware of the potential risks. Alcohol may worsen Wegovy’s side effects and counteract some of its benefits for weight loss and heart health.
Everyone responds to alcohol differently. Talk to your healthcare team about how much (if any) alcohol is OK for you to drink with Wegovy.
Save on related medications
If you’ve been prescribed Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight loss or heart health, you may be wondering how alcohol fits into the picture. The short answer: Alcohol doesn’t directly interact with Wegovy. But drinking can still pose risks that could impact your weight-loss progress, side effects, and overall health goals.
Everyone responds to alcohol differently. So it’s best to talk to your healthcare team about what’s OK for you. But before you have a drink, here are three key things to consider about Wegovy and alcohol.
1. Alcohol may worsen Wegovy’s side effects
Wegovy is known to cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Alcohol can have similar effects, which may make them worse.
Increased nausea: Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, which may worsen nausea and heartburn.
Dehydration: The side effects of both alcohol and Wegovy can lead to dehydration, which may intensify dizziness and raise the risk of kidney damage.
Slower digestion: Wegovy slows stomach emptying, and alcohol can further delay digestion. This may lead to increased bloating, discomfort, or an overly full feeling.
Low blood glucose (sugar): Wegovy lowers blood sugar levels. Alcohol can raise the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially if you have diabetes. Combining the two may increase this risk.
Pancreatitis: Medications such as Wegovy have been linked to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Heavy alcohol use can also cause pancreatitis.
If you’re dealing with nausea or other Wegovy side effects, it may be best to avoid alcohol. But if you decide to drink, it’s a good idea to limit your intake and try to stay hydrated. And if you have diabetes, have fast-acting glucose sources nearby in case of hypoglycemia episodes.
2. Alcohol may counteract Wegovy’s benefits
Wegovy works by reducing appetite and making you feel full, which helps you eat less and lose weight. It also has proven cardiovascular benefits if you have heart disease. However, drinking alcohol regularly or in large amounts can work against these benefits in several ways:
Adds extra calories: Alcohol provides no nutritional value, but it adds calories that may slow or reverse your weight loss. Sugary alcoholic drinks can add even more calories and spike blood glucose levels.
Slows metabolism: Your body prioritizes breaking down alcohol over burning fat, which can hinder weight-loss progress.
Raises blood pressure and triglycerides: Wegovy helps lower cardiovascular risk. But excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure and triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood), potentially interfering with this benefit.
If weight loss and heart health are your goals, limiting alcohol can help maximize the benefits of Wegovy. But if you choose to drink, stick with lower-calorie alcoholic beverages and avoid high-sugar mixers.
3. You may not have the same desire to drink with Wegovy
If you used to drink alcohol regularly, you may find that you naturally drink less after starting Wegovy, which can be an added benefit. This is because it can reduce cravings — not just for food, but also for alcohol. Some people using Wegovy report that they no longer enjoy drinking as much as they used to.
This is thought to be due to the way Wegovy affects the brain’s reward system, which may make substances such as alcohol less appealing. Some research even suggests that it may help reduce alcohol consumption in people with alcohol use disorder. There are several clinical trials currently exploring this potential benefit.
The bottom line
Drinking alcohol while using Wegovy (semaglutide) isn’t necessarily off-limits. But it comes with some important considerations. For example, alcohol can worsen Wegovy’s side effects, such as nausea. And drinking alcohol regularly or in large amounts may counteract Wegovy’s weight-loss and heart-health benefits.
If you choose to drink, discuss with your healthcare team how much (if any) alcohol is OK for your specific situation.
Why trust our experts?
References
Ahmed, F. W., et al. (2023). Non-diabetic hypoglycemia. StatPearls.
Bode, C., et al. (1997). Alcohol’s roles in gastrointestinal tract disorders. Alcohol Health and Research World.
Doucleff, M. (2023). Ozempic seems to curb cravings for alcohol. Here's what scientists think is going on. National Public Radio.
Eren-Yazicioglu, C. Y., et al. (2021). Can GLP-1 be a target for reward system related disorders? A qualitative synthesis and systematic review analysis of studies on palatable food, drugs of abuse, and alcohol. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience.
Hendershot, C. S., et al. (2025). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with alcohol use disorder: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry.
National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Alcohol and your kidneys.
Wharton, S., et al. (2023). Two-year effect of semaglutide 2.4 mg on control of eating in adults with overweight/obesity: STEP 5. Obesity.
