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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.”
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 appetite and spur weight loss by mimicking GLP-1, the hormone the body naturally produces after eating, so users feel fuller for longer.
About 24% of those surveyed by Levity anticipate gaining more than 5 pounds over the holidays because they deserted their weekly jab — and 63% of those planning to take a holiday break admit they haven’t consulted with their doctor.
A recent report found that most people taking GLP-1 drugs do not stay on their prescribed treatment for a minimum of 12 weeks. More than 30% of patients drop it after just four weeks because they suffer early side effects like nausea or other digestive problems — or they can’t afford to continue.
In the Levity survey, 42% of US GLP-1 users confessed to skipping their medication during social events like vacations and restaurant meals with friends and family.
Nearly one in three Americans (32%) have struggled to resume their GLP-1 routine, with men reporting more difficulties than women.
“If you’ve taken a break from weight-loss medication, it’s important to ease back into it carefully,” Hyatt said.
“Work with your doctor to create a plan that gradually reintroduces the treatment, minimizing any side effects,” she added. “Eating well-balanced meals and getting some regular exercise can also make the process smoother and help you stay on track.”
