Get ready for a heart-to-heart about the holiday season and the unique challenges it poses for individuals on GLP-1 weight loss medications. It's a story of smaller bites, strategic 'pregaming,' and the quest for a healthy balance during festive gatherings.
Imagine a Thanksgiving table, a feast laid out with all the traditional favorites: heaps of ham, creamy mashed potatoes, and a green bean casserole. Now picture Linda McMahon, 57, and her friends, the 'Mounjaro crew,' navigating this spread with a different approach. Instead of indulging, they opt for small servings of each dish, a conscious choice that reflects their journey with GLP-1 medications.
"If you saw our plates, you'd laugh," Linda shares. "I didn't touch the bread, but I did treat myself to some pumpkin ale."
This is the reality for many individuals on GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro, medications that have become a game-changer for weight loss. But with the holiday season in full swing, complete with its food-centric celebrations, how do these individuals navigate the temptation?
Some, like Linda, focus on portion control, allowing themselves a taste of everything but in moderation. Others, like Tamara Oliver, a vegan on Zepbound, take a different approach. She offers to bring her own food to gatherings or carefully checks restaurant menus in advance. Through a combination of exercise and GLP-1 medications, Tamara has lost almost 90 pounds and bid farewell to her painful sciatica.
But here's where it gets controversial: some individuals choose to skip their GLP-1 doses for a week or two during the holidays, believing it will enhance their enjoyment. Dr. Michael Kaplan, an obesity medicine specialist, warns against this practice. "Going off the medicine that is helping them is usually counterproductive," he says.
GLP-1 drugs, or Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, work by mimicking hormones naturally released when a person eats. They reduce hunger and promote a feeling of fullness, slowing digestion. Originally developed for patients with diabetes, certain GLP-1 medications are now approved for obesity, leading to a surge in use and concerns about access and rising insurance costs.
According to a report published earlier this year, spending on GLP-1 receptor agonists skyrocketed from $13.7 billion to $71.7 billion between 2018 and 2023. A tracking poll released last month found that 1 in 8 adults are currently taking a GLP-1 drug, with many using it for weight loss or to treat diabetes.
The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but many patients report no side effects at all or find that adjusting the dose or medication type alleviates these symptoms.
"They get rid of the food noise," Dr. Kaplan explains. "The deprivation factor is gone, so you can enjoy a taste of your favorite dish without overindulging."
For individuals like Ingrid Dodd, 57, GLP-1 medications have transformed her holiday experience. "I used to stress so much about December, all the parties and drinking, but now my holidays are so enjoyable," she says. Dodd owns a public relations and digital marketing firm and credits GLP-1 medications with helping her maintain her weight and enjoy her favorite party drink, an espresso martini with Baileys Irish Cream, in moderation.
Senior Nurse Practitioner Faina Norinskiy encourages her patients to embrace the food aspect of holiday celebrations while maintaining balance. "We don't want them to feel excluded," she says. "I advise them to ensure their other meals are nutritious and balanced so they're less tempted at dinner parties."
Norinskiy also emphasizes the importance of feeling comfortable saying yes or no to servings. "You don't have to have three pieces of pie. A few bites and then pushing it away is perfectly fine."
Christine Bond, 57, from Queens, shares her strategy: "I still love ice cream, but now I can have a scoop and feel satisfied." Bond has lost 122 pounds and plans to sample her holiday favorites like sweet potato pie and macaroni and cheese without overindulging.
"I'm not obsessed with food anymore," she says. "I just enjoy the moment."
So, as we navigate the holiday season, let's remember that balance and moderation are key, especially for those on GLP-1 medications. It's a journey towards a healthier, happier you.
What are your thoughts on this approach to holiday eating? Do you think it's a sustainable strategy? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments!
