The use of GLP-1 medications (Wegovy, Mounjaro etc) for weight loss is linked to a rare but increased risk of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas – the organ that helps to regulate digestion and control blood sugar. 

The main signs of pancreatitis to look out for include: 

• Pain in the upper stomach that radiates to the back 

• Fever 

• Rapid heartbeat 

• Nausea or vomiting 

• Tenderness and bloating in the abdomen 

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes) 

You may be at increased risk of developing pancreatitis if: 

• You have had it before 

• Have gallstones or high cholesterol  

• Consume alcohol regularly or in large amounts 

• Family history of pancreatic disease 

If any of these apply to you, it is best to speak to your GP before commencing treatment with a GLP-1. 

If you are currently using a GLP-1, you can reduce your risk of pancreatitis by: 

• Limiting or avoiding alcohol, as this is one of the most common triggers 

• Staying hydrated 

• Eating balanced meals that are low in fat and easy to digest 

• Report any new or unusual symptoms to your GP as soon as you notice them – especially new onset abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting

Contact your GP immediately if you develop sudden pain in your stomach, or if this isn’t possible, you can contact NHS 111 for advice. 

Patients using GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro may be wondering if  they can still drink alcohol whilst making lifestyle changes, including changing their eating habits.  

Whilst moderate alcohol consumption may be typically safe, both alcohol and GLP-1s have an effect on blood sugar and digestion. Excessive alcohol use may increase your risk of developing pancreatitis. 

Pancreatitis is a serious inflammation of the pancreas, and while it is rare, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and signs to look out for when using these medications. 

This includes: 

• Severe upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back 

• Nausea and vomiting 

• Fever or rapid heartbeat 

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes) 

It is recommended to consume alcohol with caution when using GLP-1s due to the following: 

• Alcohol is a known cause of pancreatitis – in combination with GLP-1s, which already place some strain on the pancreas, the risk of pancreatitis can increase 

• This can be especially important to look out for if you have other risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, tobacco use, high cholesterol, or have suffered from pancreatitis before 

• Alcohol can enhance GLP-1 side effects, such as nausea, vomiting and stomach pain, which are symptoms that mimic and worsen pancreatitis 

• Alcohol also causes dehydration, which can strain the kidneys, and disrupts blood sugar control which counteract the benefits of GLP-1s 

In order to minimise the risk of pancreatitis when consuming alcohol alongside GLP-1 use, it is recommended that you: 

• Limit intake to 1 drink maximum per day for women, 2 for men (if your doctor has approved) 

• Avoid binge drinking, as higher consumption increases risk 

• Stay hydrated, as dehydration can also affect the pancreas 

• Report symptoms early if something feels wrong 

• Avoid alcohol completely – if you have a history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal side effects 

In summary, alcohol may be tolerated, heavy use with GLP-1s significantly increase your risk of pancreatitis. GLP-1s are a great tool to aid you on your weight loss journey, so it’s worth thinking about how alcohol fits into your routine. We want to encourage you on a journey to better health, and small choices can make a big difference. 

GLP-1 agonists (Wegovy, Mounjaro) slow down stomach emptying but they can speed up movement further down the digestive tract, which can unfortunately lead to diarrhoea. This can be worse when you first start using these medications.  

If you experience this, there are some ways of managing these symptoms: 

Staying hydrated – diarrhoea can cause dehydration 

• Ensure you are drinking enough water – try to take small, regular sips 

• You can use rehydration sachets to help replenish lost electrolytes 

• Eat simple foods 

• Avoid high-fibre foods such as grain and seed products (wholegrain bread, raw vegetables etc.) 

• Opt for foods such as plain white rice, plain toast, boiled potatoes, plain white pasta, ripe bananas, boiled/steamed vegetables etc. 

• Watch out for sweeteners – products with sugar alcohols (ending in “ol”) such as sorbitol or erythritol can make diarrhoea worse. These are often found in protein bars or sugar-free snacks. 

Medication 

• Loperamide – can be used short-term if needed. Ask your pharmacist first.  

When to seek help from a healthcare professional:  

• Diarrhoea lasts more than 3-5 days 

• You are struggling to keep down fluids 

• Any blood or mucus in the stool 

• Rapid weight loss or feeling weak 

Nausea and vomiting are both common side effects of GLP-1 agonists (Wegovy, Mounjaro). They work by slowing down how quickly food moves through the stomach, which helps you to feel full for longer but also leads to these symptoms. 

They are most likely to occur when you first start taking these medications but generally tend to settle after a few weeks of using them as your body adjusts. 

There are several ways you can help to reduce nausea & vomiting: 

Improve eating habits: 

• Eat slowly, with smaller portions and stop as soon as you feel full 

• Avoid lying down after having a meal, sit upright for at least 30-60 minutes 

• Try to eat 4-6 small meals or snacks instead of 2-3 bigger meals 

• Choose easy-to-digest food that is low in fat, such as dry toast, rice, boiled potatoes, bananas, crackers, soups, yoghurt etc. 

• Avoid spicy foods, tinned food and sweet desserts 

• Keep a food diary – it might be useful to identify foods that trigger the symptoms 

Increase fluid intake: 

• Sip water throughout the day but not so much to make you feel too full 

• Avoid drinking large amounts of fluid with meals 

• Stay away from fizzy drinks 

Consider timing of dose – for vomiting in particular 

• If the symptoms occur shortly after taking your injection, consider trying it at a different time of day – some people report tolerating it better when they use it in the evening 

• Consider reducing meal size before taking dose 

Manage your environment – for nausea in particular 

• Ginger or peppermint tea can help to settle nausea naturally 

• Avoid strong smells – perfumes, cleaning products and cooking odours can trigger nausea 

• Open a window or use a fan to keep fresh air circulating 

When to seek help from a healthcare professional: 

• If the vomiting occurs more than 2-3 times a day 

• If you are struggling to keep down fluids 

• If the vomit contains blood or looks like coffee grounds 

• If you have tried all the tips above but the vomiting persists 

Constipation is a common side effect when using GLP-1 agonists (Wegovy, Mounjaro etc). It is more common when first starting these medications, and fortunately it tends to get better with time and continued use. This side effect occurs due to the way these medications slow down digestion to help you feel fuller for longer, which also slows down your gut. 

There are several ways you can help to relieve constipation: 

Increase fibre intake 

• Oats, cooked vegetables and soft fruits are good sources of fibre 

• Ensure you increase fluid intake when increasing fibre 

• Start slowly to allow your gut to adjust 

Increase physical activity 

• Gentle exercise such as walking, stretching or yoga can help to stimulate the bowels 

• Ensure short, regular movement throughout the day to help with this 

Stay hydrated 

• Dehydration makes constipation worse, so getting enough fluids is vital – aim for 6-8 glasses per day 

• Herbal teas and soups can contribute towards fluid intake 

• A warm herbal tea or a glass of lemon water first thing upon waking can help to stimulate the digestive system 

Medication 

• A gentle laxative such as lactulose or macrogol can help with constipation and ease discomfort. Speak to your pharmacist or GP first. 

• Stimulant laxatives such as senna can also be used but are only recommended short-term as they can cause dependency, leading to a relapse of constipation once stopped 

When to seek help from a healthcare professional:  

• If it has been 3 or more days since you last had a bowel movement 

• If you are experiencing significant pain or bloating 

• Any blood in the stool 

• If you’re needing laxatives regularly