Skipping Weight-Loss Medications During the Holidays

Holidays are a time of joy, tradition, and indulgence, but they often come with unique challenges for those managing weight-loss medication routines. As festive feasts and social gatherings take centre stage, some individuals face a choice: stick with their prescribed medications or temporarily pause them to savour holiday treats.

Levity surveyed over 1,000 people in the UK and the US on GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy to explore how they plan to navigate their health journeys during the holiday season. This report sheds light on their motivations, concerns, and the potential impacts of taking a break from weight-loss medication over the holidays.

Key Takeaways

• 44% of weight-loss medication users (48% of Brits and 42% of Americans) skip their weight-loss medication during social events.
• About 1 in 6 weight-loss medication users (22% of Brits and 12% of Americans) plan to skip their medication over the holidays, with Gen Z leading at 26%.
• Christmas cookies and sweets are the top temptations for weight-loss medication users, leading 54% to skip their medication during the holiday season.
• 67% of Brits and 48% of Americans have no concerns about the long-term effects of pausing their weight-loss medication during the holidays.

Medication Breaks During Social Events

• 44% of weight-loss medication users (48% of Brits and 42% of Americans) skip their weight-loss medication during social events.
• Since starting weight-loss medication, 62% of users (70% of Brits and 58% of Americans) have changed their social behaviour to avoid activities involving eating and drinking.
• Most missed social activities to avoid eating and drinking:
  • Dining out with friends/family: 72%
  • Happy hours or social drinking events: 65%
  • Birthday parties: 30%
  • Dates or romantic outings: 22%
  • Vacations and travel activities: 19%
  • Wedding and special celebrations: 17%
• Men (40%) are more likely than women (32%) to struggle to return to their weight-loss medication routine after pausing it. 

Why Users Pause Medication Over Holidays

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• About 1 in 6 weight-loss medication users (22% of Brits and 12% of Americans) plan to skip their medication over the holidays, with Gen Z leading at 26%.
• Men (18%) are more likely than women (14%) to plan to skip their medication over the holidays.
• Americans primarily plan to skip their medication during Christmas (81%) and Thanksgiving (77%), while Brits are more likely to do so during Christmas (98%) and New Year's (33%).

• Nearly 1 in 4 (24%) anticipate gaining more than 5 pounds over the holidays as a result of skipping their medication.
• Top 5 dishes influencing the decision to skip medication during the holidays, by country:
  • US:
    • Christmas cookies and sweets: 52%
    • Mac and cheese: 48%
    • Pumpkin pie: 35%
    • Pecan pie: 35%
    • Sweet potatoes: 34%
  • UK:
    • Christmas cookies and sweets: 57%
    • Cheese platters and charcuterie boards: 47%
    • Roasted turkey: 47%
    • Gravy and buttery mashed potatoes: 42%
    • Stuffing/dressing: 40%
• Top 5 dishes influencing the decision to skip medication during the holidays, by gender:
  • Women:
    • Christmas cookies and sweets: 57%
    • Mac and cheese: 39%
    • Stuffing/dressing: 38%
    • Gravy and buttery mashed potatoes: 38%
    • Roasted turkey: 37%
  • Men:
    • Christmas cookies and sweets: 47%
    • Roast beef or prime rib: 42%
    • Mac and cheese: 42%
    • Potato gratin: 36%
    • Sweet potatoes: 36%
• Christmas cookies and sweets are the top temptations for weight-loss medication users, leading 54% to skip their medication during the holiday season.

Health Concerns When Skipping Medication

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• 67% of Brits and 48% of Americans have no concerns about the long-term effects of pausing their weight-loss medication during the holidays.
• 63% of women are not concerned about the long-term effects of pausing their weight-loss medication during the holidays compared to 43% of men.
• Top concerns with temporarily pausing GLP-1 medication:
  • Weight gain: 56%
  • Return of appetite and cravings: 55%
  • Potential side effects when resuming medication: 55%
  • Impact on long-term weight-loss progress: 47%
  • Mood changes: 47%
  • Digestive issues upon resumption: 47%
• Gen Z (63%) are the most concerned about the long-term effects of pausing their weight-loss medication during the holidays.

Potential Long-Term Impact of Skipping GLP-1 Medications

"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, MD and Medical Content Lead at Levity.

"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. That's why planning ahead and getting advice from a healthcare professional is so important."

How To Safely Reintroduce GLP-1 Treatments Post Holidays

"If you've taken a break from weight-loss medication, it's important to ease back into it carefully," Dr Catherine Hyatt, MD and Medical Content Lead at Levity advised.

"Work with your doctor to create a plan that gradually reintroduces the treatment, minimising any side effects. Eating well-balanced meals and getting some regular exercise can also make the process smoother and help you stay on track."

Methodology

We surveyed 1,003 individuals who were on a diet and taking GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic or Wegovy; 70% percent were from the US, and 30% were from the UK. The gender breakdown was 72% women, 26% men, and 2% non-binary individuals. The generations represented were as follows: Gen Z (11%), millennials (45%), Gen X (35%), and baby boomers (9%). The survey was conducted in November 2024.

About Levity

Levity is dedicated to empowering individuals on their health journeys by providing data-driven insights, expert guidance, and supportive resources. With a focus on improving lives through meaningful health conversations, Levity strives to bring greater understanding and compassion to the decisions people make about their well-being, including weight management and holiday challenges.

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