Thanksgiving
GLP-1 Medications vs. Thanksgiving: Why I Gained 5 Pounds (Hint: It Wasn’t the Turkey)
Thanksgiving: the Superbowl of overeating and the nemesis of anyone on a weight-loss journey. This year, I walked into battle armed with my GLP-1 medication, confidently thinking, “This time, Thanksgiving doesn’t stand a chance.”
Spoiler alert: it wasn’t even close.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
If you’re new to the weight-loss world, GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or Zepbound are trending for a reason. These injections work wonders by curbing your appetite, slowing digestion, and making you feel full faster. It’s like having a personal trainer inside your stomach, whispering, “Put the fork down, champ.”
I’d been using GLP-1 with excellent results: smaller portions, fewer cravings, and steady weight loss. By Thanksgiving, I was feeling like the poster child for “successful GLP-1 users.”
But what I didn’t account for? Thanksgiving’s unique power to override logic, medication, and even my own stomach.
The Great Thanksgiving Face-Off
Let’s break this down:
- Appetizers
I started the evening confident. “Just a few crackers and cheese,” I told myself. Fast forward 20 minutes, and my plate looked like I’d won a free shopping spree in the charcuterie aisle. But hey, I was still feeling full. GLP-1 was working, right? - The Main Course
On any normal day, my GLP-1 meds work like a bouncer at an exclusive club. Halfway through a meal, my brain gets a message: “You’re full. You’re satisfied. Exit the buffet.”
But on Thanksgiving? The rules go out the window. Grandma’s buttery mashed potatoes whispered, “We’re a special occasion!” Aunt Linda’s marshmallow-covered sweet potatoes chimed in, “Calories don’t count today!” My taste buds unionized and declared mutiny.
- Dessert
Despite being full, dessert was inevitable. Grandma’s pecan pie? Check. Aunt Linda’s “famous” pumpkin cheesecake? Double check. And yes, I topped them both with a mountain of whipped cream because that’s what champions do.
The Morning After: A Tale of Regret and Water Weight
The day after Thanksgiving, I bravely stepped on the scale, expecting maybe a 1-2 pound fluctuation. Instead, the scale flashed back a terrifying truth: +5 pounds.
My first thought? “Did I eat an actual turkey?” I weighed myself twice, on every surface in the house—tile, carpet, hardwood—hoping for a technical glitch. Nope. Thanksgiving delivered a full-scale smackdown to my GLP-1 progress.
Of course, I knew logically that it wasn’t “real” weight gain. This was the cruel trifecta of sodium, carbs, and water retention playing tricks. But my brain? Oh, my brain was screaming, “Congratulations, you’ve unlocked a bonus chin!”
What I Learned From My GLP-1 Thanksgiving Fiasco
- Thanksgiving is undefeated. No appetite suppressant can compete with gravy, butter, and a table full of casseroles.
- It’s (mostly) water weight. That 5-pound jump isn’t fat—it’s bloat. A few days of hydration and healthy eating will bring things back to normal.
- GLP-1 isn’t a magic wand. These medications help regulate your appetite, but they don’t rewire your brain to say no when Aunt Linda insists you try her third dessert.
Tips for Surviving the Holidays on GLP-1 Medication
If you’ve Googled “Why did I gain weight on GLP-1 after Thanksgiving?” or “Does gravy break Ozempic?” you’re not alone. Here’s how to recover from holiday indulgence:
- Hydrate aggressively. Water is your best friend for flushing out Thanksgiving bloat. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses a day.
- Get moving. A brisk walk or light workout can help jumpstart your metabolism and reduce post-meal sluggishness.
- Forgive yourself. One meal (or even one weekend) doesn’t define your weight-loss journey. Remember, progress is about the long game.
Final Thoughts: GLP-1 Users, Don’t Panic!
Thanksgiving knocked me down, but GLP-1 is helping me get back up. The holidays are full of temptations, and occasional indulgences are part of life. One day of overeating doesn’t erase months of progress—it just reminds you to stay the course. To all my fellow GLP-1 warriors: you survived Thanksgiving. Now let’s crush the rest of the holiday season! (But maybe go easy on the eggnog at Christmas.). Don’t forget extra hydration and if you need some good supplements to help things moving along, you can pick them up here, after all, it is Black Friday!
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