Thanksgiving dinner is about to get a whole lot more complicated, and it's all thanks to a little injection. For the first time in decades, America is seeing a real dip in obesity rates, but this good news comes with a side of awkward conversations and revamped holiday traditions. The rise of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy, and Mounjaro is changing how millions approach the Thanksgiving table. According to the latest Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index, the obesity rate for U.S. adults has fallen from a peak of 39.9% in 2022 to 37% this year (https://news.gallup.com/poll/696599/obesity-rate-declining.aspx). That's a significant drop, representing 7.6 million fewer obese adults.
But here's where it gets controversial... This decline is largely attributed to the soaring popularity of GLP-1 drugs, originally designed for diabetes management, now widely used for weight loss. The Gallup survey reveals that over 12% of adults reported using a GLP-1 drug in the second and third quarters of 2025, a stark contrast to the less than 6% reported in early 2024.
So, how do these drugs work their magic? GLP-1 medications essentially 'hack' your appetite. They work by mimicking a natural hormone that signals fullness to the brain, effectively suppressing hunger. They also slow down the digestive process, making you feel fuller for longer and naturally reducing your food intake. Potentially a lot less. Overeating or eating too fast can make people on a GLP-1 drug feel nauseous and suffer from heartburn, severe indigestion, acid reflux, and cramping. The drugs also cause alcohol to be more quickly absorbed, leading to dehydration and inebriation. Think of it like this: your body is now super sensitive to what and how much you eat. And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about vanity; it's about managing serious health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Now, imagine Thanksgiving. A holiday synonymous with mountains of mashed potatoes, rivers of gravy, and an endless parade of pies. Suddenly, for those on GLP-1 drugs, this culinary extravaganza becomes a potential minefield. What was once a joyous celebration of abundance can now trigger discomfort, both physical and social. That makes Thanksgiving, a largely food-centric holiday, tough to navigate for GLP-1 users, their hosts, and their dinner companions.
So, what's a Thanksgiving host to do in this new reality? That golden turkey, the gravy, the stuffing, the candied sweet potatoes, the green bean casserole, the mac and cheese, the pumpkin pie – these foods may be less appealing to some people on GLP-1 drugs. And if you are the one taking a weight-loss drug, how do you refuse parts of the bounty without appearing rude?
Obesity experts offer several strategies for navigating these holiday challenges, focusing on both dietary adjustments and mindful communication:
- Embrace Kindness and Understanding: First and foremost, whether you're on a GLP-1 drug or simply sharing a table with someone who is, practice empathy and avoid judgment (https://health.clevelandclinic.org/food-shaming). "I always remind people to be kind to themselves and avoid feeling the shame and guilt that comes with food," says Dr. Mandeep Bajaj, medical director of Baylor Medicine’s endocrinology and diabetes sector. Remember, these medications are often a tool for managing health, not a reflection of willpower.
- Turkey Still Reigns (But Consider a Smaller Bird): Turkey, being a protein-rich food, remains a good option for those on weight-loss drugs. If you're hosting, consider serving a smaller turkey or focusing on breast meat. This can also be a budget-friendly move, as the USDA projects the wholesale price of a frozen turkey to be $1.32 a pound this November, up from 2024’s 94 cents.
- Rethink the Drinks: Save money on wine and liquor. A Weight Watchers study (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2827069?guestAccessKey=6f3bd94f-de1f-4b56-a79f-003715620ac1&utmsource=forthemedia&utmmedium=referral&utmcampaign=ftmlinks&utmcontent=tfl&utmterm=112624) found that 45% to 51% of people taking GLP-1 drugs decreased the amount of alcohol they drink. But ensure there are plenty of water or non-sugary juices available for everyone, as hydration is crucial, especially for GLP-1 users.
- Don't Skip Your Meds: If you're on a GLP-1 drug, resist the temptation to skip your medication around Thanksgiving. Missing a dose won't negate the effects of overeating, but it could amplify side effects when you resume the medication.
- Prioritize Greens and Lean Proteins: Encourage a focus on green and leafy vegetables like Brussels sprouts, green beans (hold the fried onions and cream sauce!), and salads with dressing on the side. Starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn don't need to be banished, but consider healthier preparation methods like using olive oil instead of butter and flavoring with herbs and spices instead of salt. “I encourage people to pick a favorite item but keep the portions small,” says Dulce Garcia, a dietician and diabetes educator at Baylor College of Medicine.
- Strategically Navigate Indulgent Dishes: Dishes laden with sugar and starch, such as mac and cheese or biscuits, might be best avoided by GLP-1 users. This, to some traditionalists, is sacrilege, in which case just make sure that the unhealthy bits don't take up much space on the plate. Hosts could offer smaller-portioned, fruit-based desserts as an option.
- Embrace New Traditions: “Encourage your family to rethink their traditions, and start new traditions,” says Dr. Chika Anekwe, Obesity Medicine Clinical Director at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “There are a lot of ways to flavor food without adding fat and salt.” Replace hours at the table with games or other activities to shift the focus away from food.
- Leftovers? Maybe Not: Anekwe also recommends that guests skip taking home leftovers. “There is no reason to stretch the holiday meal to a week,” she says.
And then there's the elephant in the room – the conversation. A gathering of family and friends can be a minefield for anyone struggling with weight, and a holiday centered around food only intensifies the pressure. If someone is eating significantly less than others, or if the host deviates from cherished dishes, it can lead to uncomfortable questions and even judgment.
“Unfortunately, there is a lot of stigma around weight loss drugs and we need to address that,” says Baylor's Dr. Bajaj. “It helps to remind people that you take these drugs to be healthy, and you will be sick if you overeat.”
Ultimately, the key is open communication and mutual respect. Given the growing number of Americans using GLP-1 drugs, these medications are becoming increasingly commonplace. Hopefully, guests will choose to overlook their tablemates' eating habits and concentrate on less divisive subjects – such as politics.
What are your thoughts? Do you think GLP-1 drugs will forever change the way we celebrate Thanksgiving? What are some strategies you've used or plan to use to navigate holiday meals while on these medications? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
