As the holiday season brings festive feasts and indulgent treats, some people using popular diabetes or weight loss medications, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, may consider pausing their doses. Reasons for this range from wanting to enjoy traditional holiday foods without appetite suppression to avoiding side effects like nausea or saving money in a high-spending season. But what do medical experts say about this practice?
Medical Advice on Pausing Medications
Doctors caution that the decision to pause these medications should not be taken lightly. These medications, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual agonists, play vital roles in regulating blood glucose levels and appetite. Their effects depend on the underlying condition they are prescribed for.
For Type 2 Diabetes Patients:
Skipping doses can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. However, Dr. Judith Korner of New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center noted that for well-controlled patients, a slight rise in blood sugar may not be clinically significant.For Weight-Loss Patients:
The effects of a missed dose are different for those using these medications to manage weight. Appetite suppression may decrease, potentially leading to overeating, according to Dr. Alyssa Dominguez of Keck Medicine of USC. However, these medications stay in the body for a while, so a single missed dose may still provide some residual effects.
Safety Guidelines
Most of these medications allow for missing one or two doses without requiring a reduction to a lower dose. For example:
Ozempic Take a missed dose within five days; otherwise, skip it.Wegovy Take the missed dose within two days; otherwise, skip it.Mounjaro/Zepbound Take within four days, or skip if longer.
However, extended pauses may lead to side effects like nausea, constipation, or vomiting when restarting the medication.
Doctors’ Recommendations
While skipping doses is manageable, experts generally advise against it unless absolutely necessary. We do worry that beyond two weeks, you have a much higher risk of having side effects, even if you didn’t have them as you were dose-escalating the first time, said Dr. Deborah Horn of UTHealth Houston.
Tips for Staying on Medications During the Holidays
Many doctors suggest strategies to continue medications while still enjoying the festive season.
Moderate Portions: Eating smaller meal portions can help avoid nausea or abdominal pain.
Frequent Meals: Eating every four hours may reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Avoid Greasy Foods: Fatty and carbohydrate-heavy foods can worsen symptoms. Pair meals with fiber or protein to ease digestion.
Limit Alcohol: Alcohol may intensify side effects and impair judgment, leading to overindulgence.
Non-Food Activities: Focus on non-food-related holiday traditions like caroling, gift-wrapping, or ice skating.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If restarting medications after a pause leads to significant side effects, reach out to your healthcare provider for support, such as anti-nausea medications.
The Bigger Picture
While food is an integral part of the holidays, Dr. Korner reminds patients to focus on the broader aspects of the season. The holidays aren’t always just about food. It’s about family, friends, and being together, she said.
For those considering a pause in their diabetes or weight-loss medications, the best approach is to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure safety and continuity in managing their health.