Navigating holiday festivities can be a real emotional rollercoaster, especially for those using GLP-1 medications for weight management. But here’s where it gets controversial: many people wonder whether you should resist the temptations entirely or learn to enjoy them in moderation. And this is the part most people miss—balancing enjoyment and health during a season filled with irresistible foods.
Linda McMahon, 57, from Patchogue, vividly recalls her Thanksgiving with her friends, all of whom are on GLP-1 drugs such as Mounjaro. She chuckled while describing their meal, joking that if someone saw their plates, they would laugh. Instead of piling their plates high with traditional holiday fare like ham, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole, they opted for small portions of each item. McMahon also shared that she deliberately avoided bread but indulged in some pumpkin ale, exemplifying how she strikes a balance during celebrations.
The holiday season is synonymous with gatherings where tables overflow with festive foods, and glasses are seldom empty, filled with wine or spirits. For those on GLP-1 therapies—such as Wegovy, Ozempic, or Mounjaro—which are known for producing significant weight loss results—these occasions can pose unique challenges. Some individuals choose to stick with small servings and treat themselves on occasion, while others attempt to 'pregame' by eating healthily beforehand to curb their appetite. Another popular strategy is to temporarily pause their medication, believing that this might help them enjoy the festivities more fully.
Dr. Michael Kaplan, an obesity medicine specialist and co-founder of the Long Island Weight Loss Institute, advises his patients that holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are only one day. He emphasizes that he’s less concerned about what they eat on these days—indeed, he encourages a relaxed approach—but strongly warns against stopping their medication, which could undermine their progress.
McMahon, who has successfully shed 112 pounds over three years on GLP-1 therapy, expresses satisfaction and health benefits from her journey. She describes her lifestyle as one of moderation, eating smaller amounts and feeling good. Behind the effectiveness of GLP-1 drugs is their ability to simulate hormones naturally released during eating, which slow digestion and curb appetite. Originally designed for diabetes management, these medications have become popular for weight loss, sparking a surge in usage and raising questions regarding access and insurance coverage.
Between 2018 and 2023, spending on GLP-1 drugs skyrocketed from $13.7 billion to a staggering $71.7 billion. According to recent reports, roughly 1 in 8 adults are currently using a GLP-1 medication for weight or other health reasons, and about one in five have taken these drugs at some point for weight loss, diabetes, or similar conditions. Common side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are often manageable—many find that adjusting the dose or medication type can help, and some report no adverse effects at all.
Kaplan notes that these medications tend to eliminate the 'food noise'—the constant craving or obsession with eating—which makes it easier for many to stick to healthier eating habits without feeling deprived. For example, someone might normally eat a large lasagna portion but now only take a couple of bites, feeling satisfied without overeating.
And this is where the holiday challenges intensify—like Tamara Oliver’s experience. She’s on Zepbound and is vegan, which adds a layer of complexity when attending family or friends’ gatherings. She often brings her own prepared food or researches menus beforehand, demonstrating meticulous planning. Through exercise and the use of two different GLP-1 meds over the years, the mother of triplets has lost nearly 90 pounds and alleviated painful sciatica. Despite her discipline, she sometimes allows herself a treat—like a peppermint bark gift last Christmas—that she admits was tempting and unplanned.
Oliver emphasizes the importance of balance, noting that her experience with GLP-1 drugs has been positive, although she encountered serious gastrointestinal issues with compounded versions when her regular medications were unavailable. She also encounters criticism from some skeptics questioning long-term effectiveness, but she insists that success still depends on maintaining healthy habits—working out, eating right, and being kind to oneself, regardless of medication use.
Ingrid Dodd from Lido Beach shares how GLP-1 therapy has revolutionized her holiday outlook. Free from the stress and obsession over food, she enjoys gatherings more, often pre-gaming with protein shakes or staying well-hydrated to aid digestion. She emphasizes the importance of working with healthcare professionals, focusing on building strong bones and eating plenty of protein to maintain her weight and health.
Dodd still enjoys her favorite festive drink—a Baileys Irish Cream espresso martini—sipping it throughout the evening rather than indulging excessively. This moderation approach allows her to savor her time without guilt.
Small bites and mindful choices are a common theme among many users. Senior Nurse Practitioner Faina Norinskiy advises that food remains a central part of holidays, and that’s perfectly okay. She encourages her patients to make balanced choices—prioritize protein, eat quality foods, and feel free to say no if they’re not hungry. She reassures them that they don’t need to finish entire plates or overindulge, as often the fear of judgment drives unnecessary guilt.
Some patients consider skipping doses temporarily to enjoy more during each meal, but Norinskiy advises against this, emphasizing that small portions and mindful eating are effective strategies. For example, Christine Bond, 57, from Queens, who has lost 122 pounds, points out that she can now enjoy her favorite foods like ice cream—just in smaller amounts. She plans to indulge in some holiday staples—sweet potato pie, stuffing, macaroni and cheese—without overdoing it, focusing instead on the enjoyment of the moment.
So, what do you think? Is it better to completely avoid certain foods during the holidays or to learn how to enjoy them responsibly while maintaining health goals? How do you strike the balance between celebration and discipline? Join the conversation and share your thoughts—after all, holiday moderation is a personal journey, and everyone’s approach is unique.
