About 42 percent of American adults suffer from obesity, according to the National Institutes of Health. And it seems like new food trends promising rapid weight loss are popping up online every week. Whether it’s the keto diet, the Oatzempic TikTok trend or intermittent fasting, there’s no shortage of suggestions on social media and beyond.
In the sea of fad diets and trends, some science-based prescription medications have also gained popularity and traction, including Ozempic. Ozempic is an injectable medicine that acts as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 agonist). This means it activates GLP-1 receptors in your pancreas, which causes the body to release insulin and lower blood sugar levels. In 2017, it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration to be prescribed to people with diabetes. In addition to reducing blood sugar levels, it can also promote weight loss. According to a cohort study carried out in 2022 JAMAPatients taking semaglutide (the active drug in Ozempic) saw an average reduction in body fat percentage of almost 11% after six months of use.
But is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Ozempic? What are the potential red flags to watch for? Are there any long-term risks associated with Ozempic and alcohol consumption? Keep reading to find out.
Can you drink alcohol while taking Ozempic?
Although alcohol is safe to drink while taking Ozempic, it is best to limit your consumption as it may pose some potential risks. Drinking alcohol while taking Ozempic may cause the following effects.
You may experience reduced liver function.
Melissa Mitri, RD, registered dietitian and nutrition writer, says: “Your liver plays a vital role in balancing blood sugar, but it’s not always good at multitasking. When you drink alcohol, it enters your liver to be metabolized, and this job takes priority. So, your liver might not be able to effectively balance blood sugar at the same time.
Mixing alcohol with Ozempic could strain your liver, potentially leading to reduced liver function. This is because alcohol and Ozempic can affect liver enzymes and their combination can exacerbate these effects.
Your blood sugar level may fluctuate.
Ozempic helps regulate blood sugar, but alcohol can interfere with this process, causing spikes or drops in blood sugar. According to the American Diabetes Association, drinking alcohol can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar levels).
“Hypoglycemia can be a concern for anyone who drinks while taking Ozempic, but especially for those already taking hypoglycemic medications,” says Mitri. “It is essential to monitor your blood sugar, avoid drinking on an empty stomach, and talk to your doctor about your alcohol consumption.”
You could make gastrointestinal problems worse.
According to the NIH, alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and worsen symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, especially in those who are already experiencing problems similar to side effects from alcohol use. ‘Ozempic. Additionally, alcohol may interfere with the absorption of medications, potentially reducing the effectiveness of Ozempic.
“When you consume alcohol, it enters your digestive system and irritates the lining of your stomach. Therefore, if you drink alcohol while taking Ozempic, you may exacerbate digestive side effects, such as delayed gastric emptying (slowed digestion) already caused by the medication,” says Mitri.
You can reduce weight loss.
Since alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, regular and excessive consumption can lead to unintentional weight gain. Mitri shares: “Research suggests that excessive alcohol consumption is associated with overweight and obesity, which is why it is important to drink in moderation. » Mitri adds that alcohol consumption can also impact the food choices we make, which can also impact weight loss efforts over time.
Official guidelines and warnings
The FDA has warned consumers about counterfeit Ozempic injections circulating within the U.S. drug supply chain. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, is working with the FDA to investigate and combat the presence of counterfeit semaglutide injectable products on the market.
These counterfeit products pose potential risks due to uncertain identity, quality and safety. The FDA advises retail pharmacies to obtain their Ozempic from authorized Novo Nordisk distributors only and encourages patients to verify the legitimacy of their medication before using it.
Novo Nordisk also announced plans to study the potential effects of semaglutide on alcohol consumption. The move follows anecdotal reports suggesting that taking Ozempic could help reduce alcohol cravings. The next clinical trial will examine the drug’s effects on liver health as well as any associated changes in alcohol consumption.
Although Novo Nordisk recognizes the need for further research into Ozempic and alcohol consumption, this study is a step in the right direction toward a better understanding of the relationship between Ozempic and alcohol.
Moderation and safety tips
Here are some safety tips for keeping your alcohol intake in moderation while taking Ozempic, according to Mitri.
Drink slowly and with food.
If you decide to drink alcohol, sip your drink slowly. Research suggests that slowing down your drinking gives your body more time to process alcohol and you’re more likely to drink less.
“Health experts and the alcohol industry recommend eating a meal while drinking to reduce the risk of side effects,” says Mitri. “While research on this recommendation is inconsistent, eating with your drink can help you slow down your drinking.”
Stay hydrated.
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production, which can lead to dehydration. As a general rule of thumb, Mitri recommends drinking an 8-ounce glass of water for every alcoholic drink. It can also slow down your drinking and help you drink less alcohol overall.
Consider alcohol-free alternatives.
Incorporating non-alcoholic drinks like mocktails or kombucha can help you stick to a safe amount of alcohol while taking Ozempic. Mitri says: “If you’re in a restaurant, consider checking the menu and ordering a non-alcoholic drink. Many restaurants offer excellent and tasty non-alcoholic options. Or if you want to make your own at home, try these 14 summer mocktails to keep you hydrated during the summer.
The essential
Ozempic is an injectable diabetes medication that, while effective for weight loss, may pose potential health risks when combined with alcohol. These risks include reduced liver function, fluctuating blood sugar levels, gastrointestinal problems, and thwarted weight loss benefits. Additionally, the FDA is warning about the circulation of counterfeit Ozempic injections in the drug supply chain. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, is planning a clinical trial to study the effects of semaglutide (the active drug in Ozempic) on alcohol consumption to better understand this relationship. Moderation and safety tips include drinking slowly with food, staying hydrated, and enjoying alcohol-free alternatives. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about drinking alcohol while taking Ozempic.