Indulgent season is here and as many as one in 10 people currently taking weight loss medication in the UK have vowed to stop the drugs so they can take a break from dieting over the festive period.
GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic have had a profound effect on people trying to lose weight, by reducing appetite, balancing blood sugars and slowing down digestion.
But with that, means it becomes virtually impossible to indulge to the same level as someone not taking weight loss medications, without experiencing some pretty uncomfortable side effects.
The official guidance is that people should not suddenly stop taking their weight loss medications without consulting a doctor first, but with around 10 percent of people vowing to do so anyway, what can they expect to happen?
What happens to the body when you stop taking GLP-1s?
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If you're currently taking Mounjaro or Wegovy, but are planning to skip a dose in order to enjoy the festive period, you might notice the sudden onset of hunger returning much sooner than you expected. If this is coupled with indulging on Christmas food and drinks, which is kind of the whole point, sudden weight gain is also to be expected.
“GLP-1 treatments like Mounjaro and Wegovy, work by reducing your appetite, slowing your digestion, and helping to regulate your blood sugar. When you stop taking them, those effects wear off fairly quickly. Many people notice their hunger returns, often stronger than expected, and they may feel less full after meals," Jason Murphy, head of pharmacy and weight loss injections at Chemist4U, told LADbible.
"As a result, weight re-gain is common, particularly if your eating habits change over the Christmas period. It’s important to note that GLP-1s don’t cause withdrawal symptoms, but your body will readjust to functioning without these drug’s appetite and glucose-changing effects."
Meanwhile, patients who are taking GLP-1s like Ozempic for type 2 diabetes or blood sugar control may experience some sinister symptoms as result of a sudden rise in blood glucose levels.
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"That may show up as increased thirst, urinating more frequently, feeling tired, or other classic signs of elevated sugar. In this instance, monitoring and talking to your healthcare provider is key," Murphy continued.
Restarting your weight loss medication after Christmas
However, if you have decided that stopping your medication is the right path for you, it's important to make a plan for restarting the medication, as it's recommended to start back on a lower dose.
"Going back to your previous dose without speaking to a prescriber can increase the risk of you experiencing unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal discomfort, as your body may no longer be used to your previous dose," he concluded.
“If you’re thinking about pausing over the festive period, the best approach is to speak to your prescriber first. They can help you work out whether a break is sensible; if it is, they can also give you support for how to manage food, activity, and monitoring so it doesn’t derail your progress."
Emma Rosemurgey