Can You Drink Soda on GLP-1s like Ozempic and Zepbound?
- Jennifer Hardy
- May 21
- 4 min read
If you're thinking about starting a GLP-1 medication for obesity, like Wegovy or Zepbound, you’ve probably started researching what has to change, especially when it comes to food and drinks. One question that comes up a lot: Can I still drink soda?
You might have heard that it’s strictly off-limits, but that’s not actually true. There’s no blanket rule banning soda on these meds—but there are some things you’ll want to know before you crack open your next can.
I've got a 2-liter of Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi next to me that solidly says, "Yes, you can drink soda on a GLP-1 diet." However, I also don't really have a craving for it anymore. Let's look into why.
Is Soda Allowed on GLP-1 Diets?
The short answer: Yes, technically, you can drink soda on GLP-1s like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, or Mounjaro. The manufacturers don’t specifically ban it. There’s no red warning label saying “Do not consume soda” or “Limit carbonated beverages.”
But just because it’s not prohibited doesn’t mean it’s a great idea—especially if soda is edging out the fluids your body actually needs. Dehydration is a genuine concern with these medications.
The drug’s delayed gastric emptying can suppress thirst cues, and side effects like nausea or diarrhea can increase fluid loss. The prescribing information for medications like Ozempic and Wegovy even includes warnings about the potential for acute kidney injury, particularly when patients become dehydrated.
So while soda isn’t off-limits, it also isn’t harmless background noise. If you’re not drinking enough water, and soda’s all you’re sipping, you may end up dealing with more than just bloating or reflux.
Take It Slow with Sodas and GLP-1 Diets
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the guidance you need, but here’s what to expect when it comes to soda and GLP-1s: even if it’s technically allowed, it might not feel great in your system.
I slowly added soda into my journey about the third week in. Worried about the side effects, I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only did I still enjoy it, but it also caused no GI distress, and I didn't have that old compulsion to drink it all.
Here's why:
Carbonation can trap gas in your digestive tract, which leads to bloating and that too-full, sluggish feeling.
Since GLP-1 medications already slow down how quickly your stomach empties, adding fizzy bubbles on top of that can intensify nausea or leave you feeling uncomfortable after just a few sips.
Reflux is another common side effect, and acidic sodas—especially the citrusy or cola ones—tend to make that worse.
Then there’s the blood sugar factor. Regular sodas are loaded with sugar and can spike your glucose fast, which works against the purpose of being on a GLP-1 in the first place.
Even diet or zero-sugar options aren’t necessarily off the hook—some people find that artificial sweeteners trigger cravings or mess with their insulin response.
But You Might Not Even Want Soda Anymore
As someone who fell in love with Pepsi during the Pepsi Challenge of the 1980s, I eventually grew up to have a 2-liter a day habit with Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi. A year ago, I would've told you I can't live without it. Today, I have a bottle that has taken me more than two weeks to drink.
So, you may not need to swear off soda—your body might do that for you. A 2025 study from Cornell and Numerator found that soda and other sugary drinks were among the top items people stopped buying after starting GLP-1 medications.
In fact, across 40 grocery categories, soft drinks saw one of the most dramatic drops in spending. This signals that users naturally shifted away from these beverages without being told to.
Why? GLP-1s reduce cravings and food noise, especially for sweet, high-calorie items. Taste preferences change. Some users say soda starts tasting “weird” or even gross. Others simply lose the urge altogether.
The Importance of Hydration
Here’s the real headline: Soda is not hydration. Water is. When you’re on a GLP-1, hydration matters more than ever. These meds can slow digestion and suppress appetite, meaning it’s easier to forget to drink, especially if you’re not feeling thirsty.
Regular soda’s high sugar content can disrupt your body’s ability to absorb water efficiently, while diet soda doesn’t offer the electrolytes or glucose needed for proper hydration. Neither is a reliable source of fluids when you’re trying to stay hydrated, especially on a GLP-1.
Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, constipation, and headaches—all things you don’t need more of while adjusting to a GLP-1. Prioritize water, and if you’re losing electrolytes (from vomiting, diarrhea, or increased activity), consider a supplement that replaces sodium, potassium, and magnesium without a ton of sugar.
Our Recommended Electrolytes
I lived in the deserts of Nevada and Arizona for many years. I developed a great hydration habit, but also realized what happens if you're not getting the electrolytes that you need.
Here are a few of my favorites.
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Final Sip: Should You Break Up With Soda?
Deciding whether to include soda on a GLP-1 diet isn’t about strict rules. It's about how your body reacts now that you’re on a medication. Technically, yes, you can drink soda. But if it causes reflux, bloating, or sugar crashes—or just doesn’t taste good anymore—consider that a signal, not a failure. Hydration, not carbonation, should be your priority.
