Semaglutide and Alcohol: What’s Safe — and What’s Not?

If you recently started taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or any other form of semaglutide, you may still have questions regarding what you can or cannot eat (or drink). Semaglutide is a popular tool for diabetes management and weight loss, and in most cases, you can continue a normal lifestyle. 

However, how does alcohol fit into this equation? 

If you enjoy a glass of wine here and there, but you are taking semaglutide, you may have concerns about how alcohol may affect your results. Should you avoid that glass altogether, or can you enjoy it in moderation? 

Here, we are going to help you understand how alcohol interacts with semaglutide. What risks you should watch out for and practical tips for drinking safely. 

How Semaglutide & Alcohol Affect Your Body

Semaglutide is a medication classified as a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. It works by mimicking the actions of the natural GLP-1 hormone in the body. As a result, it can help regulate blood sugar levels after eating, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting insulin release while reducing glucagon (the one in charge of releasing sugar into your bloodstream). 

Since semaglutide delays gastric emptying, it means that alcohol is absorbed more slowly. While this may sound positive, it means that it can delay the side effects of alcohol, increasing the risk of unpredictable effects. 

Additionally, alcohol has been known to produce low blood sugar levels. Since semaglutide is also known to reduce blood sugar levels (since it’s used as an anti-diabetic medication), the combination of the two can create dangerous sugar levels. 

Semaglutide, just like any other medication, can increase the risk of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. And, while they can be easily managed and go away after getting used to the dosage, drinking alcohol may exacerbate their effects. 

Finally, one thing to keep in mind is that alcohol provides empty calories. This means that you are getting a lot of calories without any nutrients. When it comes to weight loss, semaglutide is not a magical pill. It just helps you eat fewer calories than your body needs, helping you promote weight loss. 

If you’re not careful, excessive drinking can impact your calorie intake, making it harder to lose weight. Especially if you are drinking frequently and high-calorie beverages (like cocktails or sugary drinks). 

Official Guidance & Label Warnings

Currently, the FDA does not ban the consumption of alcohol when you are taking semaglutide. With that said, there are some medications (like Ozempic and Wegovy) that warn of potential interactions when drinking alcohol. Here, they warn about the consumption of alcohol and semaglutide since it can increase the risk of low blood sugar levels. 

Common Side Effects When Mixing

As mentioned, semaglutide can increase the risk of side effects. And, when it’s combined with alcohol, it can make the side effects even worse. Common side effects of semaglutide alone can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, when you mix this medication with alcohol, it can increase the risk of dizziness, flushing, and dehydration. 

One important thing to know is that both heavy alcohol intake and prolonged semaglutide use can increase the risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Additionally, both semaglutide and alcohol intake can increase the risk of kidney damage in some people. 

Keep in mind that these symptoms are typically seen during the first couple of days or weeks after starting semaglutide. Once your body is used to your dosage and the medication, these symptoms typically go away. To make sure you reduce the side effects of your medication, try to avoid drinking at least 24 hours after getting your shot. 

Does Semaglutide Reduce Alcohol Cravings?

While semaglutide medication has a greater effect on the liver, gut, and pancreas (which are the primary targets of GLP-1), it also appears to target specific areas of the brain. When you drink alcohol, it targets your reward system by releasing dopamine, giving you a sense of pleasure, motivation, and happiness. 

However, it seems that semaglutide can impact this dopamine release. So, when you are drinking alcohol, it may not give you that feeling most people are after, including a glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage. That is why some people reduce or eliminate alcohol intake when taking semaglutide. 

In fact, a 2025 study showed that people taking low doses of semaglutide helped reduce the total amount of drinks per day and weekly alcohol cravings. Due to these findings, some people have questioned whether semaglutide can be used as a way to help reduce alcoholism. Still, larger studies on heavy drinkers are needed to determine their effects and outcomes. 

Practical Drinking Guidelines When Taking Semaglutide

If you are using semaglutide and choose to have a couple of drinks here and there, it is important to do it responsibly and with mindfulness to avoid potential side effects. Here are some practical tips to help you reduce the risk of side effects. 

1. Know Your Limits: Semaglutide can affect your metabolism, potentially changing how your body reacts to alcohol. Start with just one drink and see how you feel. 
2. Stay Hydrated: Alcohol can cause dehydration, which can enhance the side effects of semaglutide (nausea and dizziness). Try to include a glass of water before and after every drink to help you stay hydrated. 
3. Eat Before Drinking: Consuming a balanced meal before drinking can help stabilize your blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia (low sugar levels). 
4. Sip Slowly: Drinking alcohol slowly allows your body more time to process it, reducing the chance of overwhelming your system and triggering nausea. 
5. Drink in Moderation: Reduce your alcohol intake to light or moderate levels since heavy drinking can affect both the effectiveness of semaglutide and overall health goals. If you are unsure how much you should be drinking, check out the following table. 

Scenario	Recommended Max Intake	Glucose-Monitor Plan
Diabetes Type 2 + Insulin	1-2 drinks per occasion	Monitor blood sugar levels during and after your drinks.
Weight-loss Only	1-2 drinks per occasion	Reduce sugary mixes and check any potential calorie impact within your daily plan.
History of Binge Drinking	0-1 drinks per occasion	Create a per-set limit and track your intake. Make sure you avoid triggering situations.

Tips To Control Calories in Alcoholic Beverages

If you are using semaglutide to manage your weight, it’s important to be mindful of the calorie content in alcoholic beverages. Here are some practical tips to help you keep your drinks within your recommended calorie intake. 

• Choose Light or Low-Calorie Options: Opt for beverages like light beers, dry wines, or spirits mixed with low-calorie free sodas or seltzers. These typically have fewer calories than sugary cocktails or regular beers. 
• Limit Mixers: Avoid high-calorie mixers such as soda, juice, or cream-based options. Use alternatives like sparkling water, diet tonic, or fresh lime to add some flavor without boosting your calorie intake. 
• Dilute The Drinks: Adding extra ice or water to a drink can help you stretch the serving and reduce the caloric concentration. 
• Setting Limits: Decide on a drink limit before going out to prevent overindulging while staying within your daily calorie goals. 

These strategies can help you stay social while still committing to your weight loss goals. Always remember to consume alcohol in moderation and talk to a doctor if you notice any side effects. 

FAQs 

Can I drink wine during my first Wegovy week?

It’s best to avoid alcohol until your body adjusts to the medication. Alcohol can worsen some of the symptoms you may get from Wegovy such as nausea and vomiting. 

Why do I feel tipsy faster?

Semaglutide works by delaying your gastric emptying, changing your alcohol absorption rate. This can mean you may suddenly feel the negative effects of alcohol such as feeling tipsy or dizzy. 

Is non-alcoholic beer safer?

Yes, since non-alcoholic beer contains little or no alcohol, it can help you manage the side effects you may notice from taking semaglutide with alcohol. Also, make sure that it doesn’t have any added sugars to help you control your blood glucose balance. 

Key Takeaways & Next Steps

• Moderate alcohol intake is generally safe, but it may increase the risk of side effects like nausea and blood sugar drops. 
• If you have diabetes, make sure you monitor your blood sugar levels, especially when taking semaglutide and drinking alcohol. 
• Alcohol may affect weight loss progress. So, try to drink sparingly if weight loss is your main goal. 
• Some studies have shown that low doses of semaglutide may reduce alcohol cravings, but more research is still needed. 
• Monitoring your response to both semaglutide and alcohol is important for safety and health goals. Make sure you are keeping track of your alcohol intake and log any side effects. 

Are you curious about how semaglutide can support your wellness goals? Our expert telehealth providers are here to guide you every step of the way. You get personalized advice, answers to your questions (like alcohol intake), and a tailored plan. All at the comfort of your home! 

Schedule your teleheatlh consultation today and take the first step towards a healthier you.