The New Thanksgiving Reality for Millions
A significant shift is occurring around American holiday tables this year, driven by the widespread use of GLP-1 medications. Approximately 12 percent of American adults are currently using prescription drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy, which are known to dramatically curb appetite and change eating behaviours.
This pharmaceutical revolution is colliding with one of America's most food-centric traditions: Thanksgiving. For users like Morgan Williams, who has lost an impressive 70 pounds using these medications, the holiday meal presents both practical and emotional challenges.
Personal Stories: Navigating Family Gatherings
Morgan Williams represents millions facing a transformed relationship with food during festive occasions. "I get full much faster now," she explains, detailing how her eating habits have completely changed since beginning treatment.
Her strategy for the upcoming Thanksgiving involves taking small portions of traditional dishes to avoid upsetting family members, though she anticipates not eating much due to her medically reduced appetite. "I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings," Williams acknowledges, highlighting the emotional complexity surrounding food in family settings.
Expert Advice for Navigating Holiday Meals
There exists a perceived stigma surrounding GLP-1 medications that causes genuine anxiety for users about potential comments from relatives during holiday gatherings. This anxiety adds another layer of stress to what should be a celebratory occasion.
Medical and etiquette experts unanimously advise family members to refrain from commenting on a loved one's reduced appetite during Thanksgiving and other holiday meals. They emphasise that food operates as a cultural language, and holidays can be particularly stressful for those managing changed relationships with eating.
The convergence of medical treatment and cultural tradition is creating new social dynamics that families across the United States are learning to navigate this holiday season.
