Drinking Less on Ozempic?

With so many people using weight loss drugs, doctors are quickly learning about their impact beyond weight and appetite suppression. Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) work by curbing your appetite, and their effect on alcohol consumption is a big topic of conversation online and in the research world.

These medications mimic the gut hormone GLP-1, targeting several areas in the body including the pancreas, gut and liver, as well as areas of the brain that help regulate your metabolism and appetite. While drinking alcohol releases dopamine, the feel-good chemical, GLP-1 meds may block or decrease this dopamine boost.

One new study of 14,000 patients found that approximately half of those who consumed alcohol previously reported decreased alcohol use after starting their anti-obesity medication. For some, their desire to drink alcohol at all has gone way down, while others may find that their favorite alcoholic beverages don’t taste the same. If you experience nausea while on these meds, it may worsen after drinking alcohol.

In addition to changing the way some people socialize, researchers are closely following the potential impact on people with addictions to alcohol. A recent study found that people taking GLP-1 drugs had fewer hospitalizations for alcohol-related issues compared to people taking standard drugs for alcohol use disorder. While studies like this show promise for a different way to treat alcohol use disorder, more rigorous research is still needed on the topic.

In general, an occasional drink while on these medications should be ok if you tolerate it, and red wine is the healthiest choice especially if you want to stay focused on your health goals. It’s important to note that for those with type 2 diabetes, hypoglycemia (very low glucose levels) is a concern because drinking alcohol can interfere with how the liver keeps blood glucose levels in balance. The best bet is to check with your healthcare provider about what is considered a safe amount of alcohol for you.