Wegovy and Alcohol: What Are the Effects?

Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking Wegovy, but it’s important to do so with caution.

Alcohol can worsen common side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and fatigue; and increase the risk of dehydration.

Alcohol can also add extra calories that may slow your weight-loss progress.

You may also find that your tolerance is lower, meaning you feel the effects of alcohol more quickly.

There is no direct interaction between alcohol and Wegovy, but moderation is key. If you have diabetes, it is important to speak with your doctor, as both alcohol and Wegovy can affect blood sugar levels and increase the risk of low blood sugar.

Worsened nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset

Wegovy and alcohol can worsen side effects because they affect the body in similar ways, which amplifies their impact.

Wegovy slows stomach emptying and can cause nausea, bloating, and reflux, while alcohol irritates the stomach lining, increasing the likelihood of nausea, vomiting, and indigestion when combined.

Higher risk of dehydration

Both alcohol and Wegovy can contribute to fluid loss. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, making you urinate more, while Wegovy may reduce appetite and thirst cues.

When combined, this can lead to dehydration, headaches, dizziness, and feeling generally unwell.

Feeling drunk more quickly

Because Wegovy slows gastric emptying, alcohol may be absorbed differently.

Some people report feeling the effects of alcohol faster or more strongly than usual. This raises the risk of impaired judgement, accidental injury, and over-drinking without realising it.

Lower blood sugar levels (rare but possible)

In some people, particularly those with diabetes or those prone to hypoglycaemia, alcohol can lower blood sugar.

Wegovy also has a mild effect on glucose regulation. When combined, this may increase the risk of low blood sugar, especially if drinking on an empty stomach.

Slower weight loss progress

Alcohol provides empty calories, can increase cravings, and may reduce self-control around food choices.

Even moderate drinking can reduce your weekly calorie deficit, meaning your overall weight-loss results on Wegovy may be less noticeable.

Increased fatigue and poor sleep quality

Alcohol can help you fall asleep but disrupts deeper sleep stages.

Poor sleep is linked to increased hunger hormones and reduced weight-loss outcomes. Combined with Wegovy, where some people already experience fatigue, this can leave you feeling more tired the next day.

Start slowly and monitor your tolerance

Wegovy can change how quickly you feel the effects of alcohol due to slower stomach emptying. If you choose to drink, start with a small amount and see how your body responds before having more.

Avoid alcohol during dose increases

Side effects like nausea and dizziness are most common when your Wegovy dose goes up.

During these weeks, it’s best to avoid alcohol to prevent worsening symptoms.

Avoid drinking on an empty stomach

Wegovy slows stomach emptying, which already makes nausea, reflux, and stomach upset more likely.

Wegovy suppresses appetite so if you drink alcohol without eating, or eating less, it is absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream, intensifying its effects. This can lead to stronger nausea, vomiting, heartburn, dizziness, and a higher risk of low blood sugar.

Alcohol is also dehydrating, and without food to buffer its effects, symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and light-headedness can feel worse.

In simple terms: without food, alcohol hits harder, lasts longer, and is more likely to trigger unpleasant or unsafe side effects when combined with Wegovy. Eating a small, balanced meal first helps slow alcohol absorption, stabilise blood sugar, and reduce stomach irritation.

Stay well hydrated before, during, and after drinking

Both Wegovy and alcohol can lead to dehydration. Drink water regularly, ideally a glass of water between each alcoholic drink, to reduce headaches and hangover symptoms.

Choose low-calorie, low-sugar drinks

High-calorie cocktails, wine, and beers can slow your weight-loss progress on Wegovy. If you do choose to drink, opt for lighter options such as spirits with soda water, dry wine, or low-calorie mixers.

Set a limit before you start drinking

Alcohol lowers inhibitions and can increase cravings. Setting a limit in advance helps you stay in control and supports your weight-loss goals while on Wegovy.

Avoid heavy drinking entirely

Binge drinking significantly increases the risks of vomiting, dehydration, and severe dizziness on Wegovy. Stick to moderate intake or skip alcohol on days when you don’t feel well.

Stop immediately if you feel unwell

If you experience unusual nausea, dizziness, or rapid intoxication while drinking on Wegovy, stop immediately and hydrate. Your body may be more sensitive than usual.

• You can drink, but caution is essential. There is no direct medical interaction, however side effects are more likely when the two are combined.
  Side effects can feel stronger. Wegovy slows digestion and alcohol irritates the stomach, increasing the risk of nausea, vomiting, reflux, dizziness, and fatigue.
• You may feel drunk more quickly. Some people notice lower alcohol tolerance, meaning the effects can hit faster and feel stronger than usual.
  Dehydration is more likely. Alcohol dehydrates, and Wegovy can reduce appetite and fluid intake, which can worsen headaches, light-headedness, and constipation.
• Blood sugar levels can drop. Alcohol and Wegovy both affect glucose levels, raising the risk of low blood sugar, especially in people with diabetes or when drinking without food.
• Avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Eating a small, balanced meal first can reduce nausea, slow alcohol absorption, and make drinking safer and more manageable.
• Moderation matters. Small amounts are generally better tolerated; excessive drinking can counteract weight-loss efforts and increase side-effect risk.
• Speak to your clinician if unsure. This is particularly important if you have diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, or a history of sensitivity to alcohol.