Can you drink alcohol on Wegovy?
Wegovy is a weight loss injection available via the NHS if you’re eligible for a weight management service like Oviva. Wegovy is designed to be used in combination with changes to your diet and exercise habits.
Before you start treatment, you may wonder whether you’re able to drink alcohol while taking Wegovy. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between Wegovy and alcohol to provide answers.
Key Takeaways
- There are no direct side effects caused by drinking alcohol while taking Wegovy.
- Alcohol has the potential to make existing Wegovy side effects worse, including nausea, vomiting, headaches and abdominal pain.
- It can be sensible to restrict alcohol consumption while taking Wegovy, as it can be counterproductive to your weight loss goals.
- Oviva’s experts can help you adopt healthy habits that support weight loss on Wegovy.
Can you drink alcohol on Wegovy?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking Wegovy. There are no specific warnings against mixing alcohol and semaglutide, which is Wegovy’s active ingredient.
However, you may be advised to limit alcohol consumption during your treatment. Alcohol has the potential to worsen some of the side effects associated with Wegovy, and it may also be counterproductive when it comes to achieving weight loss through dietary improvements.
It should be noted that alcohol can impair decision-making and contribute to excessive eating. Many alcoholic drinks are also relatively high in calories and sugar.
What are the side effects of mixing Wegovy and alcohol?
There are no direct side effects associated with mixing Wegovy (semaglutide) and alcohol, as the two substances do not interact in the body. However, alcohol and Wegovy both affect the stomach and can also impact your blood glucose levels.
As a result, mixing Wegovy and alcohol has the potential to:
- Increase the prevalence or severity of nausea and vomiting.
- Heighten the risk of low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia).
- Lead to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness and headaches.
- Cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as stomach pain.
In addition to the increased severity of any potential side effects, you may also be advised to limit alcohol consumption to achieve your weight loss goals.
Will Wegovy still work if you drink alcohol?
As a general rule, alcohol won’t impact how long Wegovy takes to work, but there are several caveats.
If you have type 2 diabetes, alcohol can affect your body’s capacity to recover from blood glucose dips. Wegovy can reduce your blood glucose. As a result, the combination of Wegovy and alcohol can significantly increase your risk of hypoglycaemia.
A study supported by the Francis Crick Institute found that alcohol consumption correlates with overeating. Meanwhile, while alcohol itself is not typically listed as a direct cause, according to the NHS, excessive alcohol consumption is a possible risk factor for several eating disorders, contributing to the development or worsening of these conditions. This highlights why alcohol consumption can be counterproductive while taking Wegovy for weight loss.
Moreover, alcohol consumption impairs your judgement. This can lead to poor diet and lifestyle decisions, which could disrupt your weight loss efforts.
How can Oviva help?
If you’re eligible for an NHS prescription for Wegovy, you must be referred to an approved weight management programme, like Oviva. Our team of specialists will help you adopt better diet and exercise habits with personalised care focused on your specific needs.
Working with Oviva’s healthcare professionals, including dietitians, you’ll learn how to achieve healthy and sustainable weight loss while taking Wegovy. This includes learning about some foods and drinks you should limit in your diet.
Keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum can reduce the severity of Wegovy side effects and can be beneficial for weight loss more generally.
If you’d like to talk to someone about reducing your alcohol intake, Oviva also offers support from qualified psychologists.
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