If you’re taking a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication such as semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy) for type 2 diabetes or obesity, you might wonder whether it’s OK to enjoy a drink once in a while. These medications are helping many people lose weight and manage their health, but how does alcohol fit into the picture?

There’s no blanket rule saying you must avoid alcohol while taking GLP-1 medications. However, alcohol can interact with these drugs in ways that may increase certain side effects or health risks — especially if you have diabetes or other health conditions. Here's what to keep in mind before raising a glass.

How GLP-1 Medication Works

GLP-1 is a hormone your body naturally produces in the gut. It helps regulate blood sugar, curb appetite, and slow the rate at which food leaves your stomach. GLP-1 medications mimic these effects, helping you feel fuller longer and better manage blood sugar levels.

Alcohol and Side Effects: What To Watch For

Have you ever wondered whether it’s safe to drink while taking Ozempic or other GLP-1 drugs? Even though alcohol isn’t explicitly mentioned in their prescribing information documents, alcohol can worsen side effects such as nausea, dehydration, and dizziness. If you also take insulin or other diabetes medications, alcohol may increase your risk of low blood sugar. And while rare, alcohol intake might also contribute to pancreatitis — a serious inflammation of the pancreas that has been reported with GLP-1s.

For the most accurate safety guidance, take a look at the prescribing information that comes with your medication. This document — available from your pharmacy or the drugmaker’s website — outlines known risks, side effects, and drug interactions. If you have questions about alcohol or anything else, your doctor or pharmacist can help you interpret the details in the context of your health.

Alcohol and Low Blood Sugar

The biggest concern about alcohol and GLP-1s is how they both affect blood sugar. One of the key ways that GLP-1s work is by reducing blood sugar levels. But if the effect is too strong, it can cause levels to become dangerously low, which is a condition called hypoglycemia.

Alcohol increases the risk of hypoglycemia while taking GLP-1 drugs. Sometimes, people have unpredictable blood sugar levels with alcohol, especially if they have diabetes or use other blood sugar-lowering medications (like insulin).

Warning signs of hypoglycemia can include:

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Shakiness
• Sweating
• Vomiting

If you have diabetes and choose to drink while taking GLP-1 medications, don’t drink on an empty stomach. Try to reduce how much alcohol you drink in one sitting, and keep quick-acting glucose tabs on hand for emergencies. You should also monitor your blood sugar levels more often to make sure you’re aware of your numbers.

Other Health Risks That Don’t Mix Well

Alcohol affects the whole body. Some of the effects of alcohol overlap with known risks of GLP-1s. While there may not be evidence showing exactly how these combined health risks play out, they’re worth keeping in mind as you navigate life on GLP-1 treatment.

For example, alcohol affects the digestive system, which is a common concern for people who take GLP-1s. “My bowels got really slow, and I had trouble finding the urge to go to the bathroom,” wrote a MyObesityTeam member.

Pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a serious side effect of both GLP-1s and alcohol. The pancreas is an essential organ that has many different functions. It makes hormones and digestive enzymes to help regulate your blood sugar and break down food. People with pancreatitis have pain and swelling. The pain may feel like it starts in your stomach and spreads to your back.

Other symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Indigestion
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Nausea
• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
• Shallow breathing
• Vomiting

You may feel better when you sit up or lean forward versus when you lie down flat. Although rare, pancreatitis can be serious and life-threatening. If you notice sudden, strong stomach pain or any new symptoms, don’t wait — call your doctor or seek emergency care right away. Quick treatment can help prevent dangerous complications.

Even if your healthcare provider says it’s safe to drink alcoholic beverages while taking GLP-1 drugs, there are lots of good reasons not to. Alcohol is a known carcinogen, meaning it raises the risk of several cancers. The risk of liver disease and heart disease (two common health issues associated with obesity) is also increased by alcohol consumption. In fact, public health experts say that no amount of alcohol is completely risk-free.

Cutting Back on Alcohol

If you’d like to start drinking less, your GLP-1 treatment may help to make it easier. Research suggests that some GLP-1 medications can lower alcohol cravings. While more research is still needed to see how well this works in humans, early studies are promising. Taking advantage of this potential effect can give you another boost on your journey to better health.

Members of MyObesityTeam have discussed how binge drinking and alcohol dependence affect their lives. “The hardest part of this diet is not drinking alcohol,” said one member. “Before I started this diet, I was an emotional drinker. In every stressful situation, I ran to alcohol. Alcohol has a lot of calories that I don't need. So now I’m trying to find other ways to cope with not drinking. I do have a therapist, but sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn’t.”

If you’re struggling to cut back on alcohol despite understanding the risks, you may need more support. Be open with your healthcare provider about how much you drink. They can refer you to a therapist or support group to help you make healthier choices.

Remember, progress doesn’t always happen in a straight line. There may be some twists and turns along the way. But as long as you’re moving forward, you can find a better place.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyObesityTeam is the social network for people with obesity and their loved ones. On MyObesityTeam, more than 57,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with obesity.

Have you adjusted your alcohol consumption after starting weight loss medication? Or do you struggle with heavy drinking despite knowing about the increased risk of pancreatitis and other health problems? Share your experience in the comments below or on your Activities page.