Undeniably, the best part of holidays is the food and social gatherings. From roast meats to cakes and wine, it truly feels like candyland for children and adults alike. However, if you are someone who is on weight loss medication, this festive season can present its own unique challenges. This struggle with making holiday food choices is difficult and the temptations can be tricky to handle too.

But do not worry, we have got you covered with the ABCs of managing the Christmas season while on weight loss medication.

How does your weight loss medication work?

There are several novel weight loss medications available on the market. Semaglutide (Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), and liraglutide (Saxenda) are some of the synthetic peptides (available as injections) that promote weight loss. In other words, the trade names of these drugs include Wegovy (semaglutide), Ozempic (semaglutide for diabetes only), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), and Saxenda (liraglutide), among others.

If you are using any of these prescription medications for weight loss, it is important to understand their mechanism of action. The gut produces several incretin hormones, 2 of the major incretin hormones are Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and Glucose-dependent-Insulinotropic-Polypeptide (GIP). Weight loss medications mimic and copy the function of these hormones based on the polypeptide present in the formulation.

Due to the action of the weight loss drugs, common short term side effects are possible:

The majority of these side effects are reported to affect the gastro-intestinal system.

Typical short-term adverse effects:

• GI symptoms – Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, heartburn, indigestion, belching, gastroenteritis, GORD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease).
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  
• Dizziness
  
  
• Hypoglycaemia
  
  
• Diabetic retinopathy
  
  

So, should you stop taking your weight loss medication during the holidays?

No, you must not stop taking your weight loss medication especially during the December-January period which is also known as the eating season. Though it can be tempting to take a break from your weight loss medication due to their side effects, many doctors warn against stopping your medication. Or if you are someone who is considering weight loss medications this festive period, this is the best time to begin weight loss medication therapy (It is recommended to consult with a qualified professional or expert for advice tailored to your specific needs.)

How can weight loss medication support you during the holidays?

Following the prescribed dosage of medication is not sufficient, you would need to keep an eye on your diet and physical activity too. This can help ensure you get the maximum benefit of the medication. Here are a few reasons to understand the benefits weight loss medication provides during the Christmas season:

1. It may help suppress holiday cravings – Weight loss medications can help you resist the urge to have an extra helping of high caloric food like desserts, pies etc. Your feeling of satiety improves while the need to overeat also goes down.

2. It helps you manage your blood sugar levels – Depending on which medication you are taking, the blood sugar spike caused by holiday food (usually high in glycaemic index and calories) can be stabilised. This prevents energy crashes as well.

3. It can help manage your weight – Although the tendency to gain weight during the Christmas season is high, weight loss medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide can help manage weight. For example, a study revealed that most people who took 2.4mg of semaglutide lost 10-15kg in 68 weeks.

4. It helps set the base for your New Year health goals – Following a pre-set routine for your health with the help of weight loss drugs, can set the basis for a healthy New Year.

5. It reduces emotional eating – With Winter and socialisation, most individuals feel stressed. Food is a common outlet for emotions as it stimulates production of the feel good hormones. Weight loss medications, can delay the gastric emptying and improve satiety. This can help you put an end to the vicious eating cycle triggered by stress and boredom.

6. It helps you make healthy choices – Since weight loss medications reduce your cravings, you can make healthier and better choices which align with your health goals.

7. It can help you reduce your alcohol intake – Studies have shown that people having Mounjaro or wegovy tend to reduce their alcohol intake or even abstain from drinking alcohol. They mention that they are more sensitive to small quantities of alcohol intake.
One study showed that people had a lower desire to drink alcohol.

Your guide to managing cravings while on medication

It is important to understand that not all holiday foods will suit you when on weight loss medications. This is attributed to the way the medications work:

• Foods high in fat, carbohydrates and sugar are high in calories and can trigger gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea etc.
  
  
• Consuming alcohol can bring about hypoglycaemic episodes, nausea and acid reflux etc.
  
  
• Spicy food can cause heartburn, diarrhoea, nausea etc.
  
  
• Eating big portions of food can cause stomach pain, bloating, belching etc.
  
  
• Being aware of such side effects can help you focus on making smart food choices.
  
  

Healthy eating tips for Christmas

Here are a few personal tips to mindfully enjoy the Christmas season:

• Prefer to fill your meal plate with plenty of vegetables and protein rich food. These are lower in calories and make you feel fuller for longer.
  
  
• Choose foods which are made by steaming, boiling or braising.
  
  
• Never skip any meal.
  
  
• Have a hearty breakfast filled with protein and fibre to avoid overeating at the Christmas party.
  
  
• Prepare your favourite healthy and tasty Christmas dish and enjoy it at the party.
  
  
• Eat your meal slowly and mindfully.
  
  
• Go for a brisk walk after your meal, this can help manage blood sugar levels better.
  
  
• Avoid saving and consuming Christmas leftovers for the next meal.
  
  

• Reduce your alcohol intake.
  
  

Conclusion

This holiday season, change your perspective on weight loss. Your weight loss medication and diet is not necessarily an obstacle for a holly and jolly Christmas season. Make healthier choices. If you do gain a bit of weight this festive period despite eating right, do not worry. Continue to follow a healthy lifestyle and enjoy the holiday season responsibly and safely. This guarantees you are headed in the right direction for your health.

Note

• Weight loss medications are not a magic injection or magic solution.
  
  
• Please speak to your doctor to understand if you are suitable to be prescribed weight loss medications.
  
  
• Follow the dosing schedule provided by your doctor.
  
  
• Ensure you are monitored by a physician when taking medications for weight loss.
  
  
• Always source weight loss drugs from a reputed pharmacy.
  
  
• You may regain weight when taken off the drug.
  
  

Mayuri,
Dietetic Researcher, Simplyweight