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Experts have revealed the one thing that users of Mounjaro should avoid during the festive period that has the potential to seriously impact the drug.
As the holidays are fast approaching, recent research has raised alarm bells over how festive treats might affect weight loss drugs.
Jason Murphy, who is a weight loss specialist and the head of pharmacy at Chemist4U, shared his insight into how alcohol can impact the way GLP-1 drugs, such as Mounjaro and Ozempic, work.
According to the expert, there are some important ‘dos and don’ts’ when it comes to enjoying the festive season safely as a weight loss injection user.
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Murphy warned that a major ‘don’t’ is to not mix alcohol with sugary drinks.
He explained: “Cocktails or wines high in sugar can spike blood sugar, increase insulin resistance, and reduce the effectiveness of medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy.
“It’s best to opt for lower-sugar options such as your preferred spirit with a sugar-free mixer to help with this.”
Murphy went on to explain how overindulgence should also be avoided, adding: “Alcohol absorption can be slower on GLP-1 medications because weight loss injections slow the emptying of your stomach, which makes it tricky to judge your limit. Overindulging can increase the risk of hangovers as well as worsening common side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or feeling generally unwell so it’s better to enjoy drinks in moderation or drink less than you usually would.”
The expert continued: “Your body will give you signals if something isn’t right, so if you do start to feel nauseous, or unusually tired, then it is best to stop drinking and rest. Listening to these signals is key to staying safe and feeling your best, not just during the festive period but all year round.”
So, what are some of the things you can do? First up, it’s best to plan ahead and ‘discuss drinking alcohol with your weight loss prescriber’ beforehand in order to reduce the ‘risk of feeling unwell during parties, dinners or any other social occasion’.
It’s also important to stay hydrated, as Murphy said: “Alcohol dehydrates you, and GLP-1 medications can sometimes cause nausea as a side effect. If you know you’re going to be drinking, make sure you drink water between alcoholic drinks and remember to eat enough to help maintain your energy levels. This will help reduce nausea, and keep your blood sugar stable.”
He concluded: “Alcohol tolerance can vary significantly while using weight-loss medication. Always follow your prescriber’s advice and remember that alcohol is full of sugar so should really be avoided if you are on a weight loss journey.”
