1 in 6 people plan to skip their weight-loss drugs over the holidays so they can eat more

Merry Christmousse!One in six Americans who take weight-loss and diabetes meds like Ozempic and Wegovy are icing out their injections so they can indulge in Christmas cookies and sides like mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, a new survey by Levity finds.The problem is that temporarily pausing drug use can lead to weight gain, mood changes and digestive issues, among other potential short- and long-term side effects.An overwhelming 79% of people who said they plan to skip jabs over the holidays admitted that it’s so they can enjoy more holiday foods.Half said they wanted to avoid the side effects of eating rich foods on GLP-1 drugs — which can include fullness, nausea, and other gastrointestinal discomfort — while 28% said they wanted to take a break from their daily routines.Less than a quarter said it was due to medication costs or concerns about interactions with alcohol.While skipping a dose or two may allow for more room to indulge, it can also lead to some unwanted complications.“Taking a break from weight-loss medication over the holidays might seem like a small decision, but it can have lasting effects,” explained Dr.Catherine Hyatt, medical content lead at Levity, an online weight-loss management service that conducted the new poll of 1,000 US and UK residents.“Many people experience weight gain, and an increase in cravings when they stop suddenly.

This can lead to a frustrating cycle of losing and regaining weight,” Hyatt continued.“That’s why planning ahead and getting advice from a health care professional is so important.” Subscribe to our weekly Post Care newsletter! Please provide a valid email address.

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A recent KFF Health Tracking Poll revealed that 12% of US adults have taken an Ozempic-like drug at some point and 6% were using one as of May.These medications suppress...