For many Canadians using GLP-1 receptor agonists—medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound prescribed to manage diabetes and obesity—holiday meals present unique challenges. These drugs, which help induce weight loss by suppressing appetite, have become increasingly popular, with Canadian pharmacies reporting $2.3 billion in sales during the first half of 2026. However, their appetite-reducing effects can complicate traditional feasting events like Thanksgiving, when indulgence and large portions are cultural hallmarks.
GLP-1 medications commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. A 2025 study from the Mayo Clinic found that between 40 and 70 percent of users experienced such adverse reactions. For individuals on these drugs, managing what, when, and how much they eat can be a complex balancing act, particularly during family meals centered around abundant food.
Karen Kalinowski, 61, who began taking Wegovy earlier this year, plans a modified Thanksgiving focused on lower-carb, lower-fat dishes at her Eastern Ontario home. Due to her emetophobia, or fear of vomiting, Kalinowski strictly controls her food intake, preparing and measuring all her dishes personally to avoid unexpected ingredients that could trigger adverse effects. She will prepare traditional staples like Newfoundland bread stuffing alongside low-carb alternatives and a sugar-free dessert she can tolerate.
Other users adopt different strategies. A November 2025 survey by Sunlight.com of 1,250 U.S.-based GLP-1 users revealed that 40 percent intended to alter or skip their medication doses during Thanksgiving, sometimes contrary to medical advice. However, dietician Andrea Holwegner, CEO of Health Stand Nutrition in Calgary, warns against such measures. She advises maintaining regular medication schedules and normal eating patterns to avoid exacerbating side effects or causing dangerous blood sugar fluctuations, especially for diabetics.
Holwegner recommends focusing on smaller portions and selecting favorite foods that bring enjoyment without guilt or restriction. Nevertheless, many GLP-1 users find it difficult to navigate social dynamics around food. Michelle Epp, 50, from Chilliwack, British Columbia, noted that since starting Mounjaro 18 months ago, her stomach capacity has significantly decreased, causing her to eat roughly 30 percent of her former portions. She prioritizes protein, limits sweets, and tries to approach food with moderation instead of rigid restrictions.
On the social front, some users encounter questions or concerns from family and friends about their reduced food intake. Debbie, 68, in Chatham, Ontario, who has not disclosed her Ozempic use broadly, fears criticism from health professionals in her family. She opts to keep her medication private to avoid unwanted commentary.
Similarly, Melody, a 74-year-old from near Peterborough, Ontario, is hosting this year’s Thanksgiving and has modified the menu to accommodate various dietary restrictions, including her own GLP-1 needs. She stops eating by 7 p.m. to prevent indigestion and avoids high-fat and spicy foods to reduce discomfort. Despite these adjustments, she emphasizes that the holiday’s significance extends beyond food to family connection and tradition.
As GLP-1 use grows, experts and users alike underscore the importance of individualized strategies to manage medical and social challenges during festive meals. Maintaining communication, realistic expectations, and mindful portion control appear central to navigating holidays while on these medications.