Is Ozempic Safe To Use For Weight Loss?
Dr Ashwin Sharma
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Jul 17, 2024
Our Levity experts, made up of qualified healthcare professionals, explore how Ozempic works for weight loss and how to avoid accidental purchases of ‘fake Ozempic’.
If you've started taking weight loss medication, you're probably wondering if it's okay to drink alcohol. Here, our Levity experts unpack the risks of drinking while on GLP-1 medication and outline recommendations if you decide to have the occasional drink while taking Ozempic.
Ozempic is the brand name for an injectable medication that contains the active ingredient semaglutide and is part of a wider class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists also referred to as GLP-1s. It was initially developed for people with type 2 diabetes but has gained popularity in recent years due its effectiveness in promoting weight loss for adults with obesity.
GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking a hormone that is naturally produced in your gut after eating and promotes weight loss by slowing down digestion, regulating blood sugar levels and by signalling to your brain that you are full and therefore reducing your appetite and food intake. [1]
Some patients taking semaglutide (Ozempic) report experiencing fewer cravings for alcohol and some studies suggest that this is because semaglutide may alter brain chemistry, reducing the pleasure associated with alcohol consumption. [2]
Excessive drinking which is defined as four or more drinks for women, or five or more drinks for men during an occasion has the potential to undo the work of Ozempic. [3] This is because alcoholic drinks are generally high in calories and the effects of alcohol can impact your dietary choices by causing you to overeat or choose foods that are high in fat or have lots of sugar.
Additionally, alcohol consumption while on Ozempic can exacerbate side effects such as nausea and stomach upset making it difficult to stick to your medication and implement healthy changes to your diet and exercise routine.
Alcohol can significantly impact blood glucose levels, especially in people with diabetes. When alcohol is consumed with GLP-1 medications, the combined effect can lead to an increased risk of hypoglycemia–a condition characterised by abnormally low blood sugar levels. This happens because alcohol consumption inhibits liver glucose production because the liver is busy metabolising alcohol which when combined with the glucagon suppressing effects of GLP-1s can create a situation where blood glucose drops too low. Additionally, alcohol can impair your ability to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as dizziness, confusion, and weakness which can be particularly dangerous because it may delay treatment. [4]
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
Hypoglycemia can be treated by a tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup or glucose tablets from the chemist and in serious cases where someone is unconscious immediate medical attention should be sought.
At Levity, our experts recommend that you limit your alcohol intake to 1-2 drinks each week to manage side-effects and maintain weight loss results. We also recommend avoiding sugary alcoholic drinks that contain sodas and juices to reduce your calorie intake while drinking.
Some studies suggest that because Ozempic targets the reward centres in the brain that your brain’s response to alcohol is also impacted which might mean your desire to drink alcohol decreases. However it’s important to note that researchers have not established the safety and effectiveness of Ozempic for treating alcohol cravings or alcohol use disorder and there is ongoing research being conducted in this area. [2]
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional who can assess your body mass index and health history to explore treatment options and determine whether Ozempic is right for you.
Want to know more? Speak to our experts for advice and start a consultation at Levity today.
[1] Davies M, Færch L, Jeppesen OK, Pakseresht A, Pedersen SD, Perreault L, et al. Semaglutide 2·4 mg once a week in adults with overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes (STEP 2): a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. The Lancet [Internet]. 2021 Mar;397(10278):971–84. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33667417/
[2] Eren-Yazicioglu CY, Yigit A, Dogruoz RE, Yapici-Eser H. Can GLP-1 Be a Target for Reward System Related Disorders? A Qualitative Synthesis and Systematic Review Analysis of Studies on Palatable Food, Drugs of Abuse, and Alcohol. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. 2021 Jan 18;14.
[3] CDC. Alcohol Use and Your Health [Internet]. Alcohol Use. 2024. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/index.html#cdc_behavioral_basics_warning_signs-understanding-alcohol-use
[4] Semaglutide and Alcohol/Food Interactions [Internet]. Drugs.com. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/food-interactions/semaglutide
Our Levity experts, made up of qualified healthcare professionals, explore how Ozempic works for weight loss and how to avoid accidental purchases of ‘fake Ozempic’.
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