Bold claim: Holiday eating doesn’t have to derail life-changing weight loss. For Long Islanders using GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro, the season’s parties pose a new kind of test—and many are meeting it with clever tweaks and steady habits. Here’s how they’re navigating celebrations while keeping momentum, and what beginners should know if they’re considering GLP-1 therapy.
A slice of honesty from the field: Linda McMahon, 57, of Patchogue, laughs about her Thanksgiving with the “Mounjaro crew”—friends who are on GLP-1 medicines. Their plates looked noticeably smaller than usual: modest portions of ham, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole, with no bread on offer. Yet she found a way to enjoy the moment, admitting she did sip pumpkin ale as a small indulgence. This is a common pattern during the holidays: portion control paired with strategic treats rather than total restriction.
The holiday season naturally invites abundance—tables loaded with favorites and drinks that flow for hours. As GLP-1 therapies have helped many shed pounds, such gatherings can feel like a paradox: how to celebrate without undoing progress. Some people aim for tiny portions and allow occasional treats. Others prepare in advance by eating healthier foods before party time. A few try a riskier approach—taking a short break from the medicine to “feel” holiday foods more fully—but experts warn this can backfire.
Dr. Michael Kaplan, an obesity medicine specialist and founding partner of the Long Island Weight Loss Institute, emphasizes a pragmatic stance: “Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas are one-day events in the grand scheme,” he notes. “But stopping a medicine that’s helping you lose weight can be counterproductive.” He points to his patients’ experiences, where skipping doses often leads to a rebound in hunger and overeating rather than the intended holiday freedom.
Linda McMahon’s journey with GLP-1s has been transformative: a 112-pound loss over three years, improved health, and a new relationship with food. She explains that living with these drugs doesn’t mean cutting out pleasure; it means savoring smaller portions and stopping when she feels satisfied rather than stuffed.
What GLP-1s do is mimic natural hormones released after eating, which helps people feel fuller sooner and longer. By slowing digestion, these medications reduce appetite and help curb overeating. Originally developed for diabetes, some GLP-1 drugs are now approved for obesity, contributing to a surge in use amid concerns about access and rising insurance costs. Industry data show a sharp rise in spending on GLP-1 therapies—from about $13.7 billion in 2018 to roughly $71.7 billion in 2023. A poll conducted by KFF last year found that about 1 in 8 adults are currently on a GLP-1 drug for weight loss, diabetes, or another condition, with about 1 in 5 having tried one at some point.
Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. For many, adjusting the dose or switching medications eases these symptoms, and some people experience no adverse effects at all. As Dr. Kaplan summarizes, the goal is not deprivation but control: the “food noise” fades, and portions shrink naturally, so holiday favorites feel like more of a tasting experience than a feast of guilt.
Samplings from the field show how different people adapt to the season. Tamara Oliver, a vegan mother of twins, relies on preparation and planning. She brings her own food to gatherings and checks menus in advance when dining out. With two GLP-1 medications and regular exercise, she’s lost close to 90 pounds over three years and has even moved past sciatica pain. She does allow herself a controlled indulg, like a non-vegan peppermint bark gift—enjoyed, then put away, with no guilt. Oliver notes that while GLP-1s help with appetite, they aren’t a magic wand: long-term success still requires effort, balanced eating, and self-kindness.
Another story comes from Ingrid Dodd, 57, who oversees a PR and digital marketing firm in Lido Beach. Since starting GLP-1 therapy, she reports a transformed holiday experience: less anxiety about food, more enjoyment of events, and a plan to stay hydrated and active. Dodd also emphasizes working with a clinician to tailor behavior around meals—eating protein-rich foods, staying hydrated, and prioritizing exercise to maintain weight. She continues to enjoy a favorite treat, espresso martini with Baileys, but limits it to a measured, mindful portion.
Healthcare professionals remind patients that holiday eating doesn’t require full abstinence or drastic skips in medication. Faina Norinskiy, a Senior Nurse Practitioner and bariatric program coordinator at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream, advises treating the holidays like a season-long festival rather than a sprint. If attending a dinner party, she suggests quality meals at other times and encouraging balanced choices with protein. She also reassures patients that they don’t need to eat three pieces of pie; a few thoughtful bites can feel satisfying without overindulgence. And she cautions against interrupting GLP-1 therapy for the sake of holiday feasts—an approach that often undermines progress.
Christine Bond, 57, of Queens, echoes this balanced mindset. On GLP-1 therapy, she can enjoy her favorites with a different rhythm—ice cream remains appealing, but she experiences it in modest portions and with a sense of completion afterward. She avoids GI side effects through fiber-rich choices to support digestion and emphasizes not letting food dominate her emotions during the season. Bond has lost about 122 pounds and focuses on staying present, enjoying the moment rather than obsessing over every bite.
Bottom line: for many on GLP-1 medications, the holidays aren’t a free-for-all. They’re a reminder to savor smaller portions, plan ahead, and keep a steady course with professional guidance. The overarching principle is clear: you can celebrate, taste, and still maintain momentum toward healthier, sustainable living.
If you’re curious about GLP-1 therapies and weight management, discuss options with a clinician who can tailor a plan to your health needs and goals. And for those already on these medications, what’s your best holiday strategy—portion control, pre-event healthy eating, or mindful indulgences? Share your experiences and questions in the comments.
