What you’ll learn:
- Mixing Ozempic® and alcohol can intensify side effects and affect blood sugar, so it’s important to monitor your body’s response.
- If you drink, keep it moderate, choose lighter options, and stay hydrated.
- Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice on drinking alcohol while taking Ozempic®.
You’re taking Ozempic®, and it’s working—your cravings are under control, you’ve lost some weight, and your blood sugar is in check. But now, a social event is coming up, and you’re faced with a question: Can you raise a glass without compromising your progress?
When it comes to combining Ozempic® and alcohol, there are significant factors to consider. While there’s no strict “do not mix” warning, alcohol can intensify some of the common side effects of Ozempic® and change the way your body digests food and drink. Understanding how you respond to it is key to making informed decisions about your health.
Let’s see what happens when Ozempic® meets alcohol and how you can confidently handle this situation.
If you qualify for Noom Med, you can connect with clinicians and receive personalized guidance on managing Ozempic® and other aspects of your health. Our clinicians can also look at alternative medications that might be right for you. They can prescribe branded medications or Noom’s version of compounded semaglutide, which contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic®, through Noom GLP-1ᴿˣ*.
How Ozempic® works
Before diving into the alcohol question, let’s recap how Ozempic® works. It’s a type of medication called a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means that it mimics GLP-1, a natural hormone in your body that helps regulate your blood sugar and appetite. The semaglutide in Ozempic® makes you feel fuller faster and slows down how quickly your stomach empties, so you tend to eat less.
Is it safe to drink alcohol on Ozempic®?
While there’s no strict rule against drinking alcohol while taking Ozempic®, combining the two can have some effects you should be aware of. While the occasional drink may be fine for some, paying attention to how your own body reacts is essential. Here’s why:
- Side effects could increase: Common side effects of taking Ozempic® include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and dizziness. Alcohol is also associated with those symptoms when you overdo it because it irritates the lining of the stomach, increases the release of stomach acid, and can lead to dehydration. When you combine the two, these side effects might worsen and make you miserable.
- Your body needs time to adjust: You shouldn’t drink any alcohol while your body gets used to taking Ozempic® or when your dosage is increased. Side effects are more likely at these times and tend to subside as your body adjusts to the medication.
- It could impact blood sugar levels: Alcohol can lower your blood sugar levels, which can be risky if you’re taking Ozempic®, especially if you also have diabetes. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and weakness. These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for the effects of alcohol, making it harder to identify when your blood sugar is too low.
Is it better to avoid alcohol entirely while taking Ozempic®?
While complete avoidance isn’t always necessary, some people find it easier to skip alcohol altogether. This approach can help minimize potential side effects and support your weight loss goals.
It’s also possible that you just might not want a drink with semaglutide in your system. Some evidence suggests that GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic®, could cut alcohol cravings.
Can alcohol cancel out the weight loss benefits of Ozempic®?
While it may not completely cancel out the benefits, alcohol can slow your progress. Alcoholic drinks are often high in calories and can lead to poor food choices, potentially working against your weight loss efforts.
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Medications require consultation and prescription by clinician through Noom platform. Not all customers will qualify for prescription. Compounded semaglutide is produced in an FDA-registered facility but not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy or quality.
What to remember about having a drink while taking Ozempic®
While a drink every so often is likely to be fine, here are some quick tips to remember to minimize side effects:
- Follow your doctor’s advice: Consult your healthcare provider or Noom Med clinician if you have questions about drinking alcohol while taking Ozempic. They can offer personalized advice based on your health status and treatment goals.
- Keep it moderate if you choose to drink: General U.S. health guidelines say women should limit themselves to one drink per day and men to two. One drink is defined as 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, depending on the alcohol by volume (ABV). The World Health Organization (WHO) takes a different stance and states that there is no safe level of alcohol.
- Choose lighter options: Go for lower-alcohol drinks like light beer or wine spritzers to reduce your overall intake and minimize unwanted reactions.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol to prevent dehydration.
- Check your blood sugar if you have diabetes: Alcohol can lower blood sugar levels, which can be risky when combined with Ozempic®. Monitor your levels as directed by your doctor if you decide to drink.
Remember, everyone’s body reacts differently to medications and alcohol.
Making informed choices with Noom’s support
What’s the bottom line? Tread carefully when deciding to mix Ozempic® and alcohol. While the occasional drink might be okay, it’s really about paying attention to how your body feels and making smart choices. If you find you don’t want to drink, just skip it.
With Noom’s blend of behavioral guidance and medical support, you’re not alone in handling Ozempic®. Whether you’re thinking about navigating a party or just want to feel your best while taking Ozempic®, Noom’s got all the tools and support you need. If you are already taking Ozempic, our GLP-1 Companion is like having a supportive buddy in your pocket. It helps you manage any side effects and make good choices wherever you are.
If you’re thinking about a prescription for a GLP-1 medication, see if you qualify for Noom Med. Our clinicians can determine if a branded medication like Ozempic® is right for you, prescribe it if necessary, and help you coordinate benefits. Your clinician can also explore other medications, like our low-cost compounded semaglutide option through Noom GLP-1Rx*.
*Compounded semaglutide available on the Noom platform is produced in an FDA-registered facility but not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality.
Note: Ozempic® is not FDA-approved to treat obesity or for weight loss.
