Holiday Pause on Weight-Loss and Diabetes medications: What You Need too Know
Table of Contents
The holiday season is a time for indulgence – festive feasts, cookies, and cocktails abound. but for millions of Americans using medications like Ozempic, wegovy, and Mounjaro to manage diabetes or lose weight, the temptation to skip a dose or two might be strong. However, experts caution against this practice, highlighting potential risks and emphasizing the importance of consulting a doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen.
A recent survey revealed that approximately 12% of U.S.patients taking GLP-1 medications plan to temporarily discontinue their doses during the holidays. [[2]] This decision is often driven by a desire to enjoy holiday treats without the appetite-suppressing effects of these drugs, or simply to save money on expensive medications. The cost of these medications can range from hundreds to over $1,000 per month without insurance.
“People are bound to wonder about doing this,” notes Dr. Judith Korner, professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology at New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. ”Sometimes thay think about it if they’re going on a cruise or a vacation.” [[1]] She adds, “I have patients who are in the other situation, where they have been going up on the medication and we have kept them at their current dose and we’re not escalating during the holidays.”
Dr.Alyssa Dominguez, an endocrinologist with Keck Medicine of USC, echoes this sentiment, stating, “Patients have come to me asking about skipping doses of these medications around the holidays, around vacations. another thing that often comes up is delay of either starting the medication or escalating the dose of a medication.” she further explains, “It is not uncommon for somebody to want to hold the dose or hold off on a dose escalation. these medicines have side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea. So, certainly, if somebody was thinking about starting the medication as a new start or increasing the dose, it’s totally understandable why somebody would not want to be experiencing those symptoms if they’re going to be on a plane for a long time or in a foreign country.” [[3]]
Understanding the Risks
The potential consequences of interrupting treatment depend heavily on the individual’s reason for taking the medication. For those managing type 2 diabetes, skipping doses can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. “If you’re taking the medication to control your blood sugar as you have type 2 diabetes, you have to realize if you’re skipping a dose, that your blood glucose is going to become higher,” explains Dr. Korner. ”but if you are very well-controlled with type 2 diabetes and your blood sugar goes a little bit higher, that may not be clinically that significant.”
For individuals using these medications solely for weight loss, the risks are different. Dr. dominguez notes,”We would expect that a person would have less appetite…” though, the potential for weight regain and the disruption of established treatment plans should be carefully considered.
GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual agonists, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and others, are typically administered as weekly injections. They work by mimicking hormones that regulate blood glucose and appetite. While many patients start on low doses and gradually increase them, any interruption to this carefully planned regimen can have unforeseen consequences.
Ultimately, the decision to pause these medications during the holidays should be made in close consultation with a healthcare professional. They can assess individual risks and benefits, ensuring the safest and most effective approach to managing diabetes or weight loss throughout the year, including the holiday season.
The holiday season is a time for celebration, but for those using weight-loss medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, navigating festive meals and gatherings requires careful planning. Experts offer guidance on managing medication schedules and minimizing potential side effects during this time of year.
Missing a dose isn’t always a cause for alarm. “These medications stay in your body for a while,” explains Dr. Korner. “So even if you skip one dose, it’s not like the levels of the medication go down to a complete zero. You will still have some of the medication in your system, so you may still have an effect helping to control your appetite. These are things to consider.” Though, the prescribing information for these medications provides specific guidelines on missed doses. For Ozempic, take the missed dose within five days; for Mounjaro and Zepbound, within four days; and for Wegovy, as soon as possible if the next dose is more than two days away. If these timelines are exceeded, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
Dr. Deborah Horn, director of obesity medicine at UTHealth Houston, adds, “You can miss up to two weeks of your medication without having to go back down to a lower dose. So, from a safety standpoint, it’s manageable.” though, she cautions against intentionally skipping doses for holiday indulgence. “We do worry that beyond two weeks, you have a much higher risk of having side effects,” including nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Balancing Festive Foods and Medication
Many patients find that maintaining their medication schedule is beneficial, even during the holidays. Dr. Eduardo Grunvald, medical director of the Center for Advanced Weight Management at the UCSD Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, notes, “People actually, at least in my patient population, they actually would rather stay on it, because the holidays are tough, right?”
Healthcare providers often advise patients on strategies to enjoy holiday treats while managing medication side effects. ”Keep that meal size at a place where you can tolerate it,” advises Dr. Horn. “We know that if you eat too much on these GLP-1 medications, it can bring on nausea or uncomfortable abdominal pain.Just be careful about the volume.” Eating every four hours can also help mitigate nausea and other gastrointestinal side effects.
Dr. dominguez emphasizes mindful food choices. “Some of these symptoms like nausea can be notably worsened especially by greasy or heavy foods. So you should not deviate too much from what you’re used to eating.Otherwise you could experience some unpleasant side effects.” Dr. horn suggests incorporating fiber and protein to help manage potential GI issues. “Putting some beatiful fiber or protein next to them will help avoid some of the GI symptoms associated with it.”
And Dr.Korner recommends moderation with alcohol. “Sometimes, people really don’t tolerate having alcohol together with the medication.The other thing is that if you get a little tipsy with the alcohol, you may find that…” The potential for increased appetite and reduced medication effectiveness highlights the importance of mindful alcohol consumption.
Ultimately, the holidays are about more than just food. Prioritizing medication adherence and making conscious food choices can help ensure a healthy and enjoyable holiday season for those using weight-loss medications.
the holiday season is a time for joy, family, and, let’s be honest, plenty of flavorful food.But for those managing their health with GLP-1 medications, the abundance of festive treats can present a unique challenge.Experts offer advice on how to enjoy the holidays without compromising your health goals.
One common concern is the potential impact of holiday indulgences on medication effectiveness. Dr. Horn emphasizes the importance of mindful eating during this time. “Your judgment isn’t as sound as it usually is, and that might then lead to eating things that you might not tolerate,” she explained. This rings true for many Americans who find themselves overeating during the holiday season, irrespective of their medication regimen.
For those considering a temporary break from their GLP-1 medication during the holidays, Dr. horn offers a crucial piece of advice: “If you do take a holiday break from your GLP-1 medication and notice side effects when you restart doses, consider reaching out to your health care provider, because we can offer anti-nausea medication in those scenarios.” This proactive approach ensures a smoother transition back to the medication routine after the festivities.
Beyond the food, the holidays offer a wealth of non-culinary activities to enjoy. Think of the joy of gift-wrapping presents with loved ones, the heartwarming tradition of caroling, or the festive fun of ice-skating. These activities provide a welcome alternative to focusing solely on food.
Dr. Korner beautifully sums up the essence of the holiday spirit: “The holidays aren’t always just about food,” she said. “While that’s certainly a very big part of it, we do have to remember that it’s about family and friends and being together.” This sentiment resonates deeply with the American emphasis on family and togetherness during the holiday season.
This holiday season, remember to prioritize your health while embracing the spirit of the season.Mindful eating, proactive interaction with your healthcare provider, and a focus on non-food-related activities can help you navigate the holidays successfully and enjoy the time with loved ones.
This is a great start to a well-researched and informative article about managing weight loss medications during the holidays. Here are some suggestions to further enhance it:
Content & Structure:
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the popularity of weight-loss medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy.
Highlight the dilemma people face during the holiday season: wanting to indulge but also maintain their weight-loss progress.
Expert Opinions:
Include more specific examples of how doctors advise their patients.
For example,what specific strategies do they suggest for navigating holiday meals?
Can you provide anecdotes or case studies (de-identified,of course)?
Side Effects:
Expand on the common side effects of these medications: nausea,constipation,etc.
Offer practical tips for managing these side effects during the holidays (e.g., smaller meals, avoiding greasy foods, staying hydrated).
Alternatives to Pausing Medication:
Discuss strategies for moderation during the holidays without interrupting medication:
Portion control
Healthy swaps
Mindful eating practices
Long-Term Perspective:
Remind readers that the holidays are a short period and encourage maintaining a long-term focus on their health goals.
Conclusion:
Summarize key takeaways and offer a final piece of reassurance or encouragement to readers.
Formatting & Style:
Headings: Use more descriptive headings to guide the reader.
Paragraph Length: Break down longer paragraphs for better readability.
Lists and Bullets: Use them to highlight key points and make the information easier to scan.
Visuals:
Consider adding relevant images (e.g., healthy holiday meal ideas, infographics on managing side effects).
Citations:
Ensure all sources are properly cited using a consistent style.
Additional Tips:
Interview More Experts:
Reach out to additional doctors,nutritionists,or even individuals who are using these medications and have navigated the holidays successfully.
Personal Stories: Weaving in personal anecdotes (while respecting privacy) can make the article more relatable and engaging.
* tone: Maintain a supportive and encouraging tone throughout.
By incorporating these suggestions, you can create a comprehensive and valuable resource for people using weight-loss medications during the holiday season.
