Week 5&6: A Hard Lesson and a Clear Decision
Let me be honest: I didn’t write about Week 5 because… I didn’t feel great.
Not emotionally. Not physically. Not even a little bit.
There were a few social events, a few “just one drink” moments that turned into more, and a few days where my food choices weren’t doing me any favors. At the time, it felt harmless. But by the end of the week? My body told a very different story.
The Wake-Up Call
I was dragging. My head was foggy, my stomach was off, and my anxiety felt dialed up to 100.
It wasn’t just the typical “blah” feeling after a night out—it felt like a full-body, 2-3 day hangover that wouldn’t quit.
And the truth hit me:
This isn’t how I want to feel anymore.
So as I moved into Week 6, I made a decision that felt clear and firm in my body:
I’m not drinking while taking GLP-1s. Not for now.
Why Alcohol + GLP-1s Don’t Mix (The Science)
Michelle helped explain why this combo can feel so intense, especially for women:
Delayed gastric emptying: GLP-1s slow digestion. Add alcohol to that mix and it can hit harder, stay longer, and disrupt your gut and liver more deeply.
Increased sensitivity: Even a small amount of alcohol can lead to amplified effects, dizziness, nausea, and crashes because your body isn’t processing it like it used to.
Mood & hormone disruption: Alcohol impacts neurotransmitters and hormone pathways already being recalibrated by GLP-1s. The result? Emotional swings, anxiety, and sluggishness.
Gut-liver axis stress: While GLP-1s help regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and support gut healing, alcohol does the opposite, creating internal friction and exhausting your detox pathways.
In short: the “hangover” hits different. And it lasts longer. And my body’s just not here for that anymore.
Skin Reactions: Another Symptom Worth Watching
To top things off, I’ve also started experiencing a mild but noticeable skin reaction at the injection site. Some redness, swelling, and itchiness.
Michelle and I talked it through, and this kind of localized reaction is becoming more common as your immune system adapts to repeated exposure. For some, it’s a true histamine response, your body reacting to the active compound or one of the preservatives in the injection.
We’re going to try taking a non-drowsy antihistamine before my next dose and keep a close eye on it.
The science here?
Michelle explained, GLP-1 receptor agonists can occasionally activate mast cells, which release histamine, a key player in allergic and inflammatory responses. While not considered a full allergy, this type of reaction falls under injection site hypersensitivity and can include warmth, redness, and raised welts.
If it worsens, we’ll adjust the plan, but for now, this is just another layer of listening and learning from my body.
And Still… I’m 6 Pounds Down
Even with all the chaos, the backslide, and the discomfort, I’m 6 pounds down since starting this journey.
But more importantly, I’m 6 pounds lighter in inflammation, stress, and the stories that used to keep me stuck.
What I’m Taking With Me Into Week 7
My body is asking for more respect and I’m finally listening.
This journey isn’t about rules, it’s about recognizing what feels good and what doesn’t.
There’s no shame in the stumbles, just wisdom in what we learn from them.
This isn’t punishment. It’s a kind of freedom.
The kind where I get to feel clearer, more connected, and more me.
Until next time, be gentle with your beautiful body. It’s doing so much for you.
—The Wellness Work-in-Progress 💛