Millions adjust Thanksgiving feasting due to weight loss drugs

As Thanksgiving approaches in the United States, many Americans are gearing up for a season of indulgent meals. However, this year marks a significant change for millions who are on weight loss medications such as GLP-1 agonists, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound. These drugs have altered how individuals experience food, significantly affecting their capacity to overeat. Medical experts are cautioning that with these medications, the stomach empties more slowly, leading to an earlier sense of fullness. This physiological change can lead to discomfort if individuals consume food too quickly, as the brain takes about 20 minutes to recognize fullness. Consequently, people may feel ill from overeating more easily this Thanksgiving than in years past. With many traditional Thanksgiving dishes being rich in fat and carbohydrates, the combination of these foods with alcohol also risks digestive distress, as both can slow down stomach emptying further. Experts recommend consuming lighter meals earlier in the day before the big feast and delaying alcohol consumption until later in the meal to mitigate these effects. This advice is particularly relevant for those on GLP-1 medications, who may already struggle with symptoms like nausea or heartburn if they overload their stomachs. In essence, Thanksgiving is not just a day for family gatherings and festive meals; it also highlights the significant impact of modern medical treatments on individual experiences of food consumption. The adjustments that many are encountering this holiday season reflect broader trends in the management of obesity and diabetes, showcasing a cultural shift in how people engage with traditional feasting activities. As Thanksgiving nears, it will be crucial for individuals to consider how their dietary habits are shifting as part of their health journeys, particularly in the context of medication use that alters their physiological responses to food.