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Experts have issued a warning out to all people who use weight loss injection and are planning to drink during the festive season.
This comes as GLP-1 drugs have taken the weight loss industry by storm, with celebrities including Kelly Clarkson and Elon Musk admitting to using them.
However, with the holidays fast approaching, experts are warning users about the effects alcohol can have on the drug.
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.
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According to the expert, there are some important ‘dos and don’ts’ when it comes to enjoying the Christmas period safely as a weight loss injection user.
And it turns out that one particularly major ‘don’t’ is to avoid mixing alcohol with sugary drinks.
Murphy went on to explain: “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.”
Overindulgence should also be avoided as alcohol absorption ‘can be slower on GLP-1 medications because weight loss injections slow the emptying of your stomach’.
This can make it difficult to judge what your limit with alcohol is and can worsen common side effects related to hangovers, including nausea, dizziness, or feeling generally unwell.
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? 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.”
