Mounjaro and alcohol: Can you drink while on the medication?

So, you’ve started your weight loss journey with Mounjaro, but you’re wondering if that Friday night glass of wine is off the table?

We get it — balancing weight loss goals and your social life can be tricky. It’s time to tackle the burning question: can Mounjaro and alcohol coexist without sabotaging your progress? 

Before you swear off happy hour forever, let’s find out how consuming alcohol fits into the equation. We’ll explore whether drinking alcohol is safe while on Mounjaro, the potential risks to keep in mind, and how Mounjaro interacts with other weight loss medications.

Can you drink alcohol while on Mounjaro?

If you're a social drinker or just enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, you might be wondering if Mounjaro and alcohol can mix. The answer isn’t a straightforward yes or no, but instead a “proceed with caution.”

Mounjaro (also known as tirzepatide) is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, which helps regulate appetite and cravings, making it easier for those on their weight loss journey to stick to a calorie deficit [1].

Juniper’s Weight Reset Programme includes medications like Mounjaro and offers personalised support for those looking to lose weight safely and effectively.

While Mounjaro doesn't directly interact with alcohol in a dangerous way, combining the two could potentially interfere with your weight loss progress [2].

Alcohol contains empty calories, meaning it provides little nutritional value while still adding to your daily calorie intake. When your goal is to lose weight, those extra calories can be counterproductive [3].

Moreover, drinking alcohol can lower your inhibitions and lead to increased cravings, especially for unhealthy, high-calorie foods — something Mounjaro is designed to help you avoid.

Additionally, because Mounjaro slows down stomach emptying and helps you feel full longer, drinking alcohol may amplify this effect, potentially leading to discomfort, bloating, or nausea.

While moderate drinking may be acceptable, it's always best to consult a healthcare provider (such as your Juniper team of experts) for personalised advice on how alcohol fits into your weight loss journey with Mounjaro.

Potential risks to consider

While Mounjaro and alcohol don't typically cause dangerous interactions, there are still several risks worth considering before having a drink.

These risks may impact both your overall health and your progress toward weight loss goals.

Increased appetite and cravings

One of the main benefits of Mounjaro is its ability to curb cravings and suppress appetite by targeting the reward centre of the brain. However, alcohol can undermine this effect.

Drinking often lowers inhibitions and makes it harder to stick to a healthy eating plan. You may find yourself reaching for high-calorie, nutrient-poor snacks or even eating more than usual when alcohol is involved.

Added calories

Alcohol is notorious for being high in calories but low in nutrients. A standard glass of wine can contain around 120 calories, while a pint of beer may pack over 150 calories. If you’re enjoying a cocktail with mixers, the calorie count can skyrocket even further.

It's not just about how much alcohol you drink, but the types of alcohol as well. Making lower-calorie  choices (like a vodka lime soda instead of a beer) can make all the difference.

When you’re trying to lose weight, these extra calories can easily derail your efforts, especially if you’re not adjusting your food intake to account for them.

Slowed metabolism

Mounjaro works to safely increase your metabolic rate, helping your body burn more calories even at rest. However, alcohol can have the opposite effect by slowing down your metabolism.

When you consume alcohol, your body prioritises processing it over other metabolic functions like burning fat [4]. This can stall the weight loss process, making it harder to shed those extra pounds.

Dehydration

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration [5]. Proper hydration is crucial for anyone trying to lose weight, as it helps keep your metabolism running smoothly and supports healthy digestion.

If you're mixing Mounjaro and alcohol, staying hydrated is even more important because the medication relies on your digestive system functioning properly to help regulate hunger and fullness [2].

Drinking alcohol without compensating for its dehydrating effects could lead to discomfort and disrupt your progress.

Blood sugar fluctuations

GLP-1/GIP medications like Mounjaro help stabilise blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for those with a personal or family history of type 2 diabetes or prediabetes [6].

However, when you drink alcohol, it can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate, particularly if consumed on an empty stomach.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and irritability, which can be dangerous if not addressed [7]. If you’re managing blood sugar levels with Mounjaro, it’s essential to be mindful of alcohol’s impact on your body.

Can you drink alcohol while taking other weight-loss medications?

Mounjaro isn’t the only weight loss medication on the market, and you might be wondering if the same rules apply to other drugs designed for weight management.

Let’s take a look at how alcohol intake interacts with a few other common weight-loss medications.

Wegovy

Wegovy, another injectable weight loss medication, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist like Mounjaro. It works by curbing appetite and regulating cravings, but the same caution applies when mixing it with alcohol  [10].

Since Wegovy affects digestion and metabolism, it’s always wise to chat with your healthcare provider about the safety of moderate alcohol intake while on the medication.

While semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, isn’t known to directly interact with alcohol, both can impact blood sugar levels, potentially causing low blood sugar (or hypoglycemia) [7].

Drinking alcohol in larger quantities may reduce the effectiveness of semaglutide. You can access Wegovy through Juniper's Weight Reset Programme.

Phentermine

Phentermine is a different type of weight loss medication, often prescribed as an appetite suppressant.

Unlike GLP-1 medications, Phentermine stimulates the central nervous system and is designed to reduce hunger by boosting energy levels.

Mixing Phentermine with alcohol is generally not recommended, as the combination can lead to an increased risk of side effects like dizziness, headaches, and elevated heart rate [11].

Additionally, alcohol can counteract the appetite-suppressing effects of Phentermine, making it harder to stick to a reduced-calorie diet.

Other Mounjaro interactions to keep in mind

While we’ve covered alcohol, there are certain drug interactions to be aware of if you’re taking Mounjaro.

It’s important to understand how certain foods, medications, and lifestyle habits might affect the way Mounjaro works in your body.

Medications

If you’re taking other medications, it’s crucial to discuss potential Mounjaro drug interactions with your doctor.

For example, some medications that regulate blood sugar levels, like insulin or sulfonylureas, can interact with GLP-1 medications, leading to a higher risk of hypoglycemia.

Your healthcare provider can help you adjust dosages or monitor your blood sugar levels closely to avoid complications.

One of the most significant medication interactions with Mounjaro is with the contraceptive pill.

A 2024 study found that Mounjaro can affect how birth control pills are absorbed, possibly lowering their effectiveness and increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancies.[12]. It’s recommended to switch to a non-oral form of birth control when taking Mounjaro to mitigate this risk. 

Foods

Certain foods may affect how well Mounjaro works in your body. For instance, highly processed or sugary foods can cause blood sugar spikes, which can counteract the medication’s ability to regulate blood glucose levels.

Sticking to a balanced diet rich in whole foods like vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help you get the most out of Mounjaro and support your weight loss goals.

Lifestyle habits

In addition to medication and food interactions, lifestyle factors like stress and sleep can impact how well Mounjaro works for you.

Chronic stress can elevate cortisol levels, which may interfere with weight loss and appetite regulation. Similarly, poor sleep can affect hunger hormones and lead to increased cravings or overeating.

Adopting healthy habits like managing stress through relaxation techniques and prioritising quality sleep can enhance the effectiveness of Mounjaro in your weight loss journey.

So, can you drink alcohol while taking Mounjaro? While there are no major safety concerns with moderate alcohol consumption, it’s essential to consider the potential risks — such as increased appetite, empty calories, and blood sugar fluctuations — that can interfere with your weight loss progress when you combine Mounjaro and alcohol.

A healthy lifestyle with Juniper

When used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise, Juniper’s Weight Reset Programme is designed to help you lose weight safely and effectively, but moderation is key when it comes to alcohol.

As always, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine what’s right for you. Whether it’s a glass of wine with dinner or a celebratory beer, making informed decisions about Mounjaro and alcohol consumption can help keep you on track toward reaching your health and weight loss goals.

Embarking on your weight loss journey

Ready to kickstart your weight loss journey? Juniper’s Weight Reset Programme has you covered, blending proven weight loss medications with personalised health coaching and lifestyle tweaks that actually stick.

One of the key players in our programme is Mounjaro, a medication designed to curb cravings and supercharge your metabolism.

Alongside Mounjaro, our team of UK-registered clinicians and dietitians will create a plan tailored just for you. With everything from lifestyle coaching and 1:1 health tracking to a private community that’s all about cheering you on, you’ll have the support you need every step of the way.

Curious if it’s a fit for you? It only takes a few minutes to check your eligibility online and get started!

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