Can I Drink Alcohol While On Mounjaro?

If you’re taking Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for type 2 diabetes or weight loss, you might wonder how alcohol fits into your routine. While an occasional glass of wine or beer may feel safe, both alcohol and Mounjaro can affect your blood sugar levels. Diabetics must always consult their doctor before drinking. For those using weight loss jabs for other reasons, this article provides information about the potential risks. It can help you make informed choices around drinking while on Mounjaro, whether it’s about enjoying the odd glass or knowing when to skip it altogether.

Can you drink while on Mounjaro injections?

Mounjaro isn’t known to react with alcohol but you should be cautious about mixing the two. There’s no clear research on whether they interact yet and many manufacturers advise it’s safer to simply steer clear.

Alcohol can affect your body’s ability to deal with sugar. Sometimes if you drink, especially on an empty stomach, it can cause blood sugar levels to drop quickly. This can put you at risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) if you take insulin or other medications for diabetes.

Drinks like beer or sweet mixers are high in carbohydrates which can also raise your blood sugar levels – something which is potentially dangerous if you have diabetes.

The Mounjaro Kwikpen is used to manage weight loss and blood sugar in some type 2 diabetics by increasing the body’s ability to release insulin, lowering blood sugar levels and reducing appetite. Since it impacts blood sugar, it can be hard to know if weight loss injections are working for you if you drink alcohol at the same time.

How will drinking whilst on Mounjaro affect your weight loss?

Even if you decide to enjoy the occasional drink while taking Mounjaro, it’s important to be aware that it can slow down your weight loss. This is because alcohol contains lots of calories – around seven calories per gram – which can significantly increase the amount you’re consuming. Just a couple of glasses could wipe out any moderate calorie deficit.

The average 175ml glass of wine contains 158 calories while a pint of 5% strength beer could contain around 222 calories. Some cocktails can contain as much as 300 calories in a single serving.

Alcohol also stimulates your appetite so you’re more likely to reach for less-healthy, calorie rich foods too.

If you do choose to have a drink it’s important to track what you’re having and include what you’re drinking as part of any calorie-controlled plan.

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What should I be aware of when drinking while on weight loss injections?

Some studies suggest that weight loss injections can reduce alcohol cravings, making you want to drink less or not at all. However, if you do decide to drink while on Mounjaro, it’s essential you understand how it might affect your body. Here are some of the key things to keep in mind:

• Alcohol can impact blood sugar levels, appetite and hydration, all of which are important while using the injections so try to stay hydrated and avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
• You may experience an increase in side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Mounjaro can slow down how quickly your stomach empties so you may also experience digestive issues.
• Prolonged drinking may increase the risk of serious complications including pancreatitis, kidney damage and low glucose.
• Both alcohol and Mounjaro can affect liver function. Over time your liver’s ability to regenerate could be reduced, meaning certain medications can stay in your body for longer.
• More generally, regular alcohol consumption can lead to risk-taking behaviour and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Physically, your heart, liver and brain can become damaged, and you may be at increased risk of getting certain cancers.

If you do drink, try to stick to UK guidelines and have no more than 14 units a week spread over three or more days.

It is essential that you speak to a licensed medical professional before starting any weight loss medication. They can provide personalised, expert guidance, assess potential risks and ensure that your chosen treatment is safe and suitable for your health needs.

Drinking while on Mounjaro is a personal choice but it’s important to be mindful of how it can impact your health and the effectiveness of your treatment. With the right advice, you can make informed choices which align with your health goals.