Three million Brits on fat jabs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are being urged to watch their alcohol intake this Christmas — because even small amounts of booze may hit much harder.
Ian Marber, one of the UK’s leading nutritionists and author of The GLP-1 Handbook, says he’s already seeing severe reactions among his clients.
He told The Sun newspaper: “One of my regular clients revealed they were ‘absolutely hammered’ after two glasses of mulled wine during a recent party.
“This amount might have had almost no effect on you pre-jabs, but now you need to know your limits and adapt your intake and behaviour accordingly.”
Marber warns that GLP-1 medications slow digestion, meaning alcohol is absorbed more rapidly and sticks around longer. That raises the risk of being over the drink-drive limit the next morning.
He added: “Another one of my clients felt that she was still over the limit the next day after just three small glasses of wine. Luckily she realised before doing the school run.”
The expert also cautions that drinking can worsen common GLP-1 side effects.
Marber said: “Alcohol may also exacerbate side effects, such as nausea and dizziness, that some experience when taking GLP drugs.
“If you’re in the early stages of using the medication, it might be best to avoid alcohol altogether — especially if you experience side effects.”
For those who do decide to drink, Marber recommends planning ahead: eat protein and carbohydrates first, have something sweet before going to bed, and focus on hydration and rest the next day.
He said: “If you are suffering the next day, try lots of fluids and rest, and painkillers if necessary.”
