Dr Debra Marcos, chief medic at Weight Medics, is urging the 1.5 million Britons using GLP-1 treatments such as Mounjaro and Wegovy to rethink their Christmas dinner strategy. These medications, which slow digestion and curb appetite, can turn a traditional festive meal into a source of discomfort, triggering nausea, bloating, and acid reflux.
“As GLP-1 medications slow down digestion and help you feel full sooner, they also make it harder to handle heavy meals,” said Dr Marcos. “Christmas doesn’t have to be off-limits, but you do need a strategy to avoid feeling bloated, sick, or uncomfortable for the rest of the day.”
Classic Christmas dishes, laden with fats, sugars, and carbohydrates, can overwhelm a digestive system already affected by the drugs. Fatty meats, creamy sauces, and rich desserts are particularly problematic, as they remain in the stomach longer and can cause severe bloating, nausea, or reflux.
Dr Marcos advises making simple adjustments to the festive meal, such as opting for smaller portions of rich foods and focusing on lighter options. “You can still enjoy Christmas food as long as you make a few mindful choices that won’t have you paying for it later,” she added.
