New research has revealed that weight loss medications are not only changing eating habits but are also significantly reducing alcohol intake among users in the UK.
A report from insight consultancy KAM, in partnership with UK charity Drinkaware, shows that the increased use of GLP-1 drugs is reshaping the nation’s relationship with both food and drink. The report, titled Drinking Differently: GLP-1 and Alcohol and published on 31st March 2026, found the following changes among users after starting the medication:
- Drinking frequency fell from 3.1–2.2 days per week, a 29% reduction
- Overall alcohol consumption dropped from 4.3–3.6 units per week, a 16% decrease
- Weekly spend on alcohol for home consumption fell by 22%
- Typical spend per trip on alcohol in the on-trade dropped by 30%
Research suggests 7%–10% of UK adults are currently taking these drugs, including medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, accessed both privately and through NHS prescriptions. The KAM research notes that only around 52% obtain them via the NHS.
Beyond willpower
The changes appear to go beyond simple willpower. More than a third of users, 34%, report a reduced craving for alcohol while on the medication. Meanwhile, 22% say they feel the effects of alcohol more quickly, and 18% experience discomfort such as nausea when drinking.
This leads to what KAM describes as effortless moderation. Around 26% of users say drinking less happens naturally without much thought, while a further 45% say they consciously manage how much they drink.
Annabelle Bonus, Director of Research, Impact and Strategy at Drinkaware, said: “This report adds to our growing evidence of a shift towards moderation in the UK, as drinking behaviours continue to evolve alongside the rise of GLP-1 medications. Drinkaware is uniquely placed to monitor these trends and respond to emerging insights. We will continue to provide clear, evidence-based information and advice to everyone whether they are using GLP-1 medications or not, helping people better understand their drinking and supporting moderation as a cultural norm across the UK.”
Social occasions redefined, not abandoned
Despite the reductions, alcohol remains important to many users. A significant 71% of GLP-1 users say alcohol is central to their enjoyment of social occasions. Rather than withdrawing from these events, users are showing growing interest in lower-ABV options, smaller serves and alcohol-free alternatives, while trading quantity for quality and opening opportunities for premiumisation.
KAM partner Katie Jenkins said: “The data shows that while many GLP-1 users are drinking less, they are not withdrawing from social occasions. Instead, they are redefining how those occasions look, from drink choice to spend to frequency. For hospitality operators, this points to the need to adapt to a future where moderation is more common, mixed drinking groups are the norm, and quality, flexibility and inclusivity become increasingly important.”
A ripple effect on non-users
The effects extend beyond users themselves. Almost half of UK adults who have never used the drug, 46%, say they know someone who has. Among these:
- 30% say they drink less alcohol when socialising with a GLP-1 user
- 20% say they are socialising in different ways, such as opting for coffee or food-led occasions
- 16% are more likely to choose no or low-alcohol drinks when out with someone on the medication
- 10% say the influence affects how much they drink even when not in that person’s company
The report suggests the overall impact on drinking habits is likely larger than the number of users alone, as changes ripple through social networks.
Medical advice on alcohol and GLP-1 medications
Peter Thnoia, Superintendent Pharmacist at weight loss pharmacy PillTime, warned that excessive alcohol consumption while using GLP-1 medications can strain the pancreas and amplify gastrointestinal issues.
He said: “As a society, we’re starting to see a shift in how people approach alcohol, with many patients telling us that weight-loss medications are changing how they look at drinking altogether. Many say they simply don’t have the same appetite for alcohol, or that if they do drink, they feel fuller much sooner, sometimes even after just one or two drinks.
“Weight loss medications work on appetite and satiety signals, which don’t just affect food but can also reduce the desire to drink alcohol. Some patients also report feeling the effects more quickly, or experiencing nausea or discomfort when drinking, which naturally leads them to cut back without actively trying to.
“While that can be a positive for some, it’s still important to approach alcohol with care. Drinking excessively can increase the risk of side effects like dehydration, dizziness and gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly when combined with these medications. It can also place additional strain on the pancreas, which in some cases may lead to inflammation. Moderating alcohol intake can help reduce the risk of more serious side effects, which could otherwise impact treatment or mean it has to be stopped altogether.
“What we’re seeing more broadly is a cultural shift, with weight-loss jabs beginning to reshape how people think about both food and drink. Patients are becoming more mindful of portion sizes, more selective about what they consume, and in many cases naturally gravitating towards lower-alcohol or alcohol-free options. These medications aren’t a quick fix; they work alongside broader lifestyle changes, which is why we’re seeing a sustained shift in both food and alcohol consumption. Moderation is becoming our new normal.”
Notably, only around half of users say they received clear guidance on alcohol consumption while on GLP-1 medications, and 1 in 10 received no guidance at all. Health experts continue to stress the importance of medical advice when using these treatments alongside lifestyle choices.