How your Thanksgiving dinner could be affected if you take Ozempic

Experts have issued a warning to those using Ozempic ahead of Thanksgiving, urging against the temptation to overindulge.

Drugs such as Ozempic have skyrocketed in popularity over recent years due to their appetite-curbing side effects that 'trick the brain' into thinking you're full.

While Ozempic was originally intended to treat Type-2 diabetes, it contains an active ingredient called semaglutide, which mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1. This hormone regulates blood sugar and appetite, tricking users into believing they are full and therefore reducing how much food they consume.

As a result, everyone from Amy Schumer to Stephen Fry has turned to the drug to aid their weight-loss efforts - despite it not actually being approved by the NHS or FDA for weight loss.

But, with the festive season just around the corner - a time notorious for gorging on roast turkey and all the trimmings until you have you lie down and take a nap - how exactly will taking an appetite-reducing drug like Ozempic affect your Thanksgiving dinner?

Experts have warned against overindulging on Thanksgiving if you're taking Ozempic (Getty Stock Images)

With the big day coming to homes around the US tomorrow (27 November), two experts have answered the burning question.

Mohamed Imran Lakhi is a Director and Superintendent Pharmacist at Prescription Doctor with extensive experience in medication safety and weight loss treatments.

He's explained to Tyla that because Thanksgiving dinners are often full of high-calorie, sugary and fatty foods, they can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels.

"For anyone on Ozempic this year, this could counteract the medication's effects making it harder to control diabetes and potentially affecting your weight management goals too," he said.

Lakhi assures users that they can still enjoy the holiday, but will need to practice moderation.

"Focusing on portion control can help as it reduces the risk of overconsumption, which is particularly tempting during celebrations. If you're using Ozempic for diabetes, should monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently during festivities.

"It’s also wise to consult with a healthcare provider about possibly adjusting the Ozempic dosage during this period if you're particularly concerned."

They recommend practising moderation and focussing on festive foods that are high in protein and fibre (Getty Stock Images)

Dr Dominic Greenyer, Director and GP at The Health Suite, has advice that echoes the same sentiment.

He told Tyla: "You'll need to eat a bit more mindfully this year and pick out your favourite foods without going overboard."

He recommends focusing on festive foods that are high in protein, like turkey, fish, legumes and non-starchy veggies that help maintain your blood sugar levels.

"On the other hand, foods high in sugars and refined carbohydrates, like cakes, pastries, and sugary drinks, can be harmful as they may cause rapid spikes in blood sugar," he warned.

But the most important piece of advice he had to offer: "Listen to your body's cues."

Otherwise, you're at risk of overindulging, leading to nausea, vomiting and stopping the medication from doing its job.

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