Doctor's warning as 1 in 10 on weight loss drugs to stop taking medication over Christmas

For most of us, a huge part of Christmas is indulging in all the festive foods, from roast dinners to picky bits to as much chocolate as you can fit in your mouth. Oh, and a few glasses of fizz to wash it all down too.

But while many of us will be putting our diets on the back burner until January for our New Year's Resolution, the festive season can create somewhat of a dilemma for those who are taking weight loss medication.

With around 1.5 million people currently using GLP-1 drugs, like Mounjaro or Wegovy, in the UK alone, many people will have a slightly different experience when it comes to festive feasting this year.

As these medications reduce appetite, many people taking them are now weighing their options for Christmas and the New Year.

It's not really Christmas without a huge roast dinner (Getty Stock Images)

According to data from weight loss programme CheqUp, more than a third of people taking GLP-1s in the UK are planning to reduce their dose over Christmas, in a bid to enjoy more food, before returning to their normal dose in the new year.

Meanwhile, one in 10 are planning to stop taking the medication altogether — and if you fall into this category, then you might want to think twice.

CheqUp’s superintendent pharmacist, Aaron Arman, has strongly warned against anyone suddenly stopping their medication without consulting their doctor first.

"Unless there is a clear clinical reason, we advise against stopping GLP-1 treatment abruptly," he said. "These medicines work by regulating appetite, digestion and glucose control, so suddenly stopping them removes those protective effects and can undermine long-term treatment goals.

"Patients who pause their medication may also experience stronger side effects when restarting, as the body loses its built-up tolerance. Anyone considering changes to their medication over the holidays should speak with their prescribing clinician first."

People can still enjoy festive food on weight loss medication (Getty Stock Images)

The majority of people involved in the study said they wanted to cut down or halt their medication 'to go all out and enjoy themselves', while nearly half said they 'deserve a break', from their diet.

Around a quarter said they didn't want to be a burden to their hosts, and 14 per cent confessed they haven't told their family they're on weight loss drugs.

CheqUp chief exec Toby Nichol added: "It is clear that people are trying to reconcile medical treatment with social tradition, and that confusion and embarrassment are driving stop‑start approaches rather than planned clinical decisions. With consistent clinical guidance, people can manage doses safely through the holidays.

"We’re finding that simple, practical advice about portioning, alcohol and how hosts can help prepare their meals for guests on medical weight loss journeys can make a real difference."