If this is your first year on GLP-1 weight loss medications, like Mounjaro or Wegovy, the festive period might be a little different from the last one. 

Your new attitude to food will change your experience of the holidays, and you might have to consider potential side effects. You’ll also have to factor in christmas delivery dates and travel plans into your dosing schedule.

To help you stay on track while enjoying the holidays, and to take (at least some of) the stress away from Christmas planning, this article explains how this festive season will be different – and what you can do to prepare.

What to Expect This Christmas on GLP-1s

One of the biggest benefits of GLP-1 medications is their ability to transform your relationship with food. As well as reducing your appetite, they also quieten “food noise” – that continuous mental chatter on how much, what, and when to eat.

So, if this is your first year on weight loss medication, you might find it easier to eat smaller portions and stop when you’re satisfied. This means you can still enjoy all the festive treats—mince pies, chocolates, gingerbread—but in moderation. And you’re less likely to experience that uncomfortable, overstuffed feeling after Christmas dinner.

However, there are a few things you can do to stay consistent over the Christmas period.

Christmas on GLP-1s: How to Stay Consistent

Balance Festive Food & Good Nutrition

A few mince pies and chocolates in moderate amounts won’t lead to any drastic weight gain. So that’s the good news: you can have your Yule Log and eat it too.

However, it’s important you don’t just eat Christmas cake and Quality Street. Make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need to fuel your body, stay healthy and keep your immune system in check. Here are a few things you can do:

  • Focus on Protein: Eat lean meats (like turkey!), fish, or plant-based proteins to help keep you satiated.

  • Eat the Sprouts: Roasted carrots, brussels sprouts, and parsnips are festive staples that add flavor, fiber, and nutrients to your plate.

  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support digestion.

Focus on eating enough healthy food and fueling yourself – rather than taking away the food and drink that help make Christmas joyful.

Manage Common Side Effects

Only 1 in 10 patients experience side effects on Mounjaro and Wegovy, and many patients find they improve as the body adjusts to treatment.

But if you are feeling discomfort, it’s natural to feel anxious navigating parties, drinking mulled wine or enjoying festive cheese boards. Especially as the most common side effects are gastrointestinal – like nausea, bloating and constipation.

There are a number of ways to manage these common side effects over Christmas. For example:

  • Take your Doses at the Right Time: If your symptoms peak after taking your medication, consider adjusting your dose schedule. For example, taking it in the evening, before you settle down, means side effects will interfere less with festive plans.

  • Stay Active: A crisp winter walk is a great way to enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Bonus:  it can aid digestion and alleviate bloating.

  • Stick to Plain Foods: When symptoms are at their worst, opt for simple, stomach-soothing foods like crackers, bananas, or rice.

  • Eat Small Meals & Snacks: Aim for three small meals and snacks instead of big plates of food.

  • Limit Alcohol: It’s recommended you avoid alcohol while using GLP-1s, as it can worsen side effects and make the medication less effective. If you do want a drink on Wegovy, women should stick to one glass a day, maximum. And men shouldn’t drink more than two. Try and eat something beforehand, as you may experience the effects of alcohol more quickly on GLP-1s.

You can find more tips on how to manage common side effects here.

Be Kind to Yourself

If you gain weight – or notice you aren’t losing weight – over the Christmas period, don’t beat yourself up. Christmas weight gain is completely normal, and doesn’t mean your progress is lost.

The weight you gain is also never as much as you think. According to a study from The New England Journal of Medicine, average weight gain over the Christmas period is just under one pound (0.37kgs). And more than half the people in the study didn’t gain more than kilogram (just over two pounds).

Focus on non-scale victories instead – being more present around your friends and family and enjoying Christmas food and drink in moderation, without feeling too stuffed or guilty. 

Remember: GLP-1 injections aren’t a quick fix – they’re for steady, long-term weight loss.

Stick to Your Dosing Schedule

It might be tempting to skip a dose over Christmas, but consistency is key when it comes to sustainable weight loss. So keep taking your weight loss injections over the festive season as directed. 

Sticking to your regular schedule helps maintain the benefits of the medication, so you can enjoy the festivities without worrying about overindulging.

If you find yourself needing more support during this time, download our Renu app. It provides tailored support throughout your weight loss experience and gives you access to lots of helpful resources.

Plan ahead to make sure you’ve got everything you need. And if you’re unsure about anything, have a quick chat with our patient care team – call us on 0141 774 5023.

Plan Ahead for Travel & Christmas Delivery

In order to stay consistent over the Christmas period, you first need to make sure you have enough of the medication over the festive break. 

Make sure to order pens if you need them in plenty of time. Read our delivery information and factor delivery time into any holiday travel plans you might have.

We use Royal Mail for most of our deliveries. You can stay on top of any delays over the festive period here.

Key Takeaways

  • Stick to your Dosing Schedule: Keep taking your weight loss injections during the busy festive season and stay on track with your goals.
  • Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet (With Treats!): Enjoy festive treats in moderation, but focus on protein, vegetables, and hydration to stay healthy.  
  • Manage Side Effects: Time doses strategically, stay active with light exercise, and choose plain foods when symptoms are at their worst.  
  • Be Kind to Yourself: Progress isn’t about perfection—one holiday won’t derail your weight loss journey. Celebrate non-scale victories.
  • Plan for Travel and Christmas Delivery: Order your GLP-1 medication in plenty of time and factor in travel plans.

References

Yanovski, J.A., Yanovski, S.Z., Sovik, K.N., Nguyen, T.T., O’Neil, P.M. and Sebring, N.G. (2000). A Prospective Study of Holiday Weight Gain. New England Journal of Medicine, [online] 342(12), pp.861–867. doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejm200003233421206.

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