How Drugs Like Wegovy Can Affect Thanksgiving Plans?
Medications like Wegovy, widely used for treating type 2 diabetes and overweight, have gained popularity in 2024 due to their notable weight-loss results. They facilitate weight loss by lowering how much food a person consumes — a potentially unpleasant barrier for a food-centric vacation like Thanksgiving. Holidays are the only time people have a little trouble, even if they have benefited from the medicine.
On the other hand, there are ideas for people on weight loss medicine to enjoy Thanksgiving safely, where overeating seems to be expected. Find out how the holiday season affects you while on medication and what experts recommend in this blog. Moreover, you can buy Wegovy pens online for weight loss.
How Does Overeating on Wegovy Affect Your Health?
While Wegocy has been shown to lower blood sugar and help people lose weight, it may lead to physical challenges for those trying to enjoy their holiday meals. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, imitates a hormone called GLP-1 that helps the body control blood glucose levels and makes people feel satisfied. Those taking the medicine have decreased brain appetite signals and slower digestion and bowel movements.
This means people using the drug for weight loss or type 2 diabetes won’t be able to eat as much as they used to, or the Thanksgiving meal may seem distasteful to them. The medication can also lead to several minor but irritated gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, and decreased appetite. It is possible to experience these adverse effects more frequently during the holiday season.
According to Daniela Hurtado Andrade, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine, endocrinologist, and obesity medicine specialist, these medications can cause side effects if consumed in excess. By doing so, they avoid drinking too much fast food, not listening to their appetites, and feeling too full and sick.
[Note: Even if people do not overeat, foods eaten at large gatherings, such as greasy, spicy, or fried foods, may cause these side effects.]
What Are Social and Psychological Issues?
Wegovy injection and other similar drugs can have more effects than just physical effects – they can also negatively affect how food is prepared and celebrated during the holidays. There is a possibility that patients who take the medication may lose their appetite, or their flavors and food choices may change, according to Betul Hatipoglu, MD, professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University and director of the Center for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism.
It can result in a “mourning period” if someone no longer wants to eat their favorite holiday foods. Having food with adored ones and sharing it with them is what makes Thanksgiving joyful. There is also the possibility of food being a “language of love.” Not eating much at Thanksgiving or other holidays can cause hurt emotions or mess in some families.
It is possible that someone making the meal feels you are not accepting their act of love. You could start by saying, “I appreciate this meal; I enjoy this moment together. However, I may not eat as much as usual due to a medical condition. It is also possible for these medications to bring about more praising sentiments or experiences during the holiday season despite the possibility of difficult emotions.
It may be less guilt-inducing or anxiety-producing to eat holiday foods when taking weight-loss drugs than if you are following a diet and exercising alone. People often look ahead to the fact that they can still appreciate their meal, but in moderation. When they are complete, they will know when to stop.
What Are the Ideas for Holiday Eating on Wegovy?
If someone is worried about having too little hunger to enjoy Thanksgiving entirely, their first idea may be to miss a dose of their medication. This may be risky for people using medicines to manage type 2 diabetes. However, experts diverge on the course for those taking medications just for weight loss. Neither Hurtado Andrade nor Hatipoglu recommends missing a dose, while Hurtado Andrade said missing a week should be fine.
The dose might be pushed back a few days. However, it is still recommended that people don’t skip their doses. It’s harder to get back into the habit of taking medications when we miss them. For people on wegovy weight loss injections, experts recommend choosing nourishing, non-fried meals when possible and eating smaller portions during the holidays. A good rule of thumb is to divide the plate into quarters. For example, people can fill two quarters with salad, green beans, turkey, or another type of protein and one quarter with carbs.
Another trick is to eat food in order. Protein should come first, then vegetables, fruit, and anything with more sugar or fat, such as sweet potatoes, stuffing, or pasta. Additionally, people may request to take dessert or leftovers home so they do not overeat. It is also essential to keep yourself properly hydrated. The traditional saying “everything in moderation” is the most acceptable approach when it comes to Thanksgiving. Over-the-counter antacids can be taken to ease bloating and reflux caused by overeating. Walking after a meal is better for moving the digestive system and avoiding side effects.
While those taking Wegovy injection or other medications may need to adjust their eating habits, they should not have trouble enjoying Thanksgiving. The holiday may be more enjoyable for people with less appetite and less food noise. As a result of these medications, their perception of food changes. That’s what we want. Having a positive relationship with food was the ultimate goal. In addition, you can buy Wegovy online at the best Canadian online pharmacy at discounted prices.
Wrapping Up
Thanksgiving may pose challenges for a healthier lifestyle with Wegovy, but strategic planning can make it an enjoyable experience. While physical hurdles like decreased appetite and potential side effects exist, embracing open communication, making mindful food choices, and understanding medication effects can pave the way for a fulfilling holiday. Social and psychological concerns, though present, can be addressed with empathy and honesty.
Ultimately, Thanksgiving on Wegovy can be a positive experience, offering individuals a chance to enjoy the holiday more healthily. By prioritizing gratitude and adopting a mindful approach, individuals can savor the festivities while maintaining a positive relationship with food.