Mounjaro users say the smell of alcohol 'makes them sick' as major side effect explained

Mounjaro users are claiming the famed weight-loss drug has made them lose ‘all desire to drink’ alcohol, while others allege that just a whiff of booze is making them feel physically ‘sick.’

More than 500,000 UK residents are self-injecting Glucagon-like peptide-1s (GLP-1s), with the most popular options being Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), semaglutide (Wegovy) and Liraglutide (Saxenda), according to the NHS.

By mimicking GLP-1 hormones, these weight-management jabs regulate users’ appetites and metabolisms, making you feel fuller for longer whilst slowing down the time it takes for your stomach to empty.

Initially, Mounjaro was approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in December 2024 for treating obesity on the NHS.

However, you can now choose to access the drug for weight loss via a private prescription.

Mounjaro users are complaining they can no longer stomach the smell of alcohol (Getty Stock Image)

Despite ultimately helping you shed some major lbs, Mounjaro has some pretty common side effects that range from indigestion to diarrhoea.

Others have discussed a phenomenon called ‘Ozempic sex’, while some scientists say users of these drugs have caused something known as ‘Ozempic penis’.

Mounjaro users claim alcohol is making them feel ‘sick’

Another apparent side effect is that ‘low-dose semaglutide can reduce craving and some drinking outcomes’, as per research published in Jama Psychiatry.

Scientists behind the paper suggest that larger clinical trials are needed to analyse this further.

In the meantime, some actual Mounjaro users have complained about not being able to stomach booze anymore via social media and also in interviews.

Speaking to iNews, a 50-year-old man who is being referred to as Dave claimed he had ‘no desire to have alcohol’ after previously being dependent on it.

“I can’t stand the smell of wine or beer, he said after ten months on the weight-loss drug.

“A few weeks ago, I ordered my son a whiskey and gave it a sniff just to see how I’d react. I turned green and had to run out of the restaurant. I was so sick.”

Meanwhile, one Reddit user has said: “The best thing about MJ for me is that I’ve gone from drinking every day to not wanting to drink at all. I’m not repulsed by it, I just don’t fancy it.”

Alcohol can make the gastrointestinal side effects of weight loss drugs worse, experts say (Getty Stock Image)

“Personally found it’s not impacted imbibing but the hangovers are absolutely brutal; even after what I wouldn’t class as a particularly heavy session my guts are in bits the next day,” a third remarked.

However, not everyone agrees, with one Mounjaro user claiming they continue to ‘drink as much as [they] ever would’ even after injecting themselves.

“A social drinker here, never drink anything at home but on a night out with friends I'll have a few pints,” someone else commented. “MJ hasn't made any difference one way or another to my alcohol consumption. Maybe a few more spirits than pints?”

Can you drink alcohol on Mounjaro?

According to Heathline, drinking alcohol during treatment with Mounjaro can worsen some of Mounjaro’s side effects, especially gastrointestinal ones like nausea, vomiting and stomach pain.

If you’re using Mounjaro, you should ask your doctor whether it’s safe for you to drink alcohol during your treatment, the outlet reported.

Your doctor can advise how much, if any, alcohol is safe to drink during treatment with Mounjaro.

LADbible Group has contacted Eli Lilly for further comment.