Weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy have been making headlines for their effectiveness in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes.
But emerging research suggests these medications might have an unexpected benefit: reducing alcohol cravings.
As more people try these treatments for weight management, many are reporting changes in their relationship with alcohol.
Most of us know that alcoholic drinks contain calories – often quite a lot of them. A single pint of beer contains around 180-230 calories, while a large glass of wine can have about 200 calories. These are “empty calories” with minimal nutritional value and add up quickly.
When you drink alcohol, your body prioritises breaking it down over burning fat and carbohydrates. This means your metabolism temporarily shifts away from processing other calories, putting fat burning on hold.
Research confirms this connection between alcohol and weight. A study found that people who consumed 5 or more drinks per day had significantly higher BMI (4.8% higher), fat mass index (20.1% higher), waist circumference (5.0% higher), and body fat percentage (15.2% higher) compared to non-drinkers. Heavy drinkers also had lower lean muscle mass (5% less) than those who didn’t drink.
Perhaps most tellingly, the study showed that heavy drinkers were nearly three times more likely to be obese according to BMI measurements and over three times more likely to have obesity based on waist circumference.
Alcohol also affects your judgment around food choices. After a few drinks, those late-night takeaways or extra snacks become much more tempting. Many people experience increased hunger the day after drinking, leading to higher calorie consumption overall.
Regular drinking can create a cycle that’s difficult to break: drink alcohol, consume more calories, make poorer food choices, gain weight, feel bad, drink to feel better… and the cycle continues. For many people looking to lose weight, addressing their alcohol consumption becomes an important part of their journey.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are injectable medications originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes that have shown remarkable results for weight loss.
Wegovy contains semaglutide, which mimics a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone helps regulate blood sugar levels and slows down food leaving your stomach, making you feel fuller for longer after eating. It also reduces appetite by acting on hunger signals in your brain.
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which works as both a GLP-1 receptor agonist (like Wegovy) and also activates another receptor called GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). This dual-action approach is why some studies suggest Mounjaro may be even more effective for weight loss than Wegovy.
Both medications are given as weekly injections under the skin using a pre-filled pen. They work gradually in your system, with most people starting on a lower dose that may be increased over time depending on how well you respond and any side effects you experience.
These weight-loss jabs help with weight loss in several important ways:
These effects combine to help people naturally eat less without feeling constantly hungry or deprived, a major reason these medications have shown such promising results compared to traditional dieting approaches.
Emerging evidence suggests that medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy may help reduce alcohol cravings, even though they weren’t designed for this purpose.
A social media analysis of Reddit posts related to GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP agonists found that 71% of users described reduced alcohol cravings, decreased desire to drink, or other negative effects related to alcohol consumption. These real-world experiences have prompted researchers to look more closely at this unexpected benefit.
The scientific explanation makes sense when you consider how these medications work. Semaglutide and similar drugs appear to impact addictive behaviours like alcohol consumption via shared neural pathways involved in reward and appetite regulation. The same mechanisms that help reduce food cravings may also diminish the desire for alcohol.
Recent clinical trials support these observations. In one study, 48 adults with alcohol use disorder but who weren’t seeking treatment were given weekly low-dose injections of semaglutide or a placebo for nine weeks. The results were remarkable:
The senior author of the study explained that “these data suggest the potential of semaglutide and similar drugs to fill an unmet need for the treatment of alcohol use disorder”.
While these medications aren’t currently approved for treating alcohol use disorder, these findings suggest they can offer a dual benefit for people who are both trying to lose weight and cut down on their drinking.
This research is still in early stages, and anyone concerned about their alcohol consumption should speak with their GP or pharmacist about appropriate treatment options rather than self-medicating.
Alcohol can worsen some of the common side effects of these medications, particularly digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Since both alcohol and weight loss injections can cause similar digestive side effects, combining them might intensify these uncomfortable symptoms.
There’s also the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), especially if you’re drinking on an empty stomach or not eating enough while drinking. Both alcohol and medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy can lower blood sugar levels, so the combination could potentially cause dangerous drops.
Since one of your goals in taking these medications is likely weight management, it’s worth considering that alcoholic drinks add extra calories without nutritional benefits. This works against your weight loss efforts.
Many patients report that after starting these medications, they naturally lose interest in alcohol anyway. You might find that your desire to drink decreases on its own.
If you do choose to drink while on these medications, consider these safety tips:
Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about your situation, as they can provide guidance based on your medical history and current health status.
If you’re thinking about weight loss injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy, Click2Pharmacy makes the process simple and professional.
We start with a thorough online consultation to check your suitability for these medications. Once approved, your prescription is processed by our qualified pharmacists and delivered discreetly to your door – no multiple GP appointments or long waiting times.
Ready to take the next step? Visit our online weight loss clinic today to learn how weight loss injections could help you achieve your health goals.
