WASHINGTON (TNND) — Enjoying a holiday feast doesn’t have to be challenging for people on GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, but experts caution that certain foods should be avoided.
FILE – The injectable drug Ozempic is shown, July 1, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
About one in eight adults — or roughly 12% — said they are currently taking a GLP-1 drug to help them lose weight or treat a chronic condition, which is an increase from 18 months ago, according to recent KFF Health Tracking Poll.
If you’re among those who are taking one of the drugs, here are a few foods to stir clear from during holiday celebrations.
Mac and cheese (and other foods that are high in fat)
FILE – The “All-American” macaroni and cheese served at a restaurant in New York. (Photo by James Leynse/Corbis via Getty Images)
Dietitian Kylie Bensley, who is the founder of the women’s nutrition company Sulinu, told PEOPLE Magazine it’s best to skip the mac and cheese.
“It’s one of those dishes that you really can’t make low-fat, you really can’t make it light,” she told the media outlet. “Sometimes, it’s even hard to digest just because it’s just carbs and fat and could make you feel worse.”
Fatty cuts of beef should also be limited, along with bacon and sausage, as well as cream-based sauces and gravies.
Alcohol
FILE – A waiter pours a beer into lime juice to make a cocktail for customers in a bar in the old town in Damascus on June 19, 2025. (Photo by Ed Ram/Getty Images)
Bensley also said to stay away from “any heavy, heavy alcohol drinks” or “any cream-based drinks.”
That means saying no to most mixed drinks, as well as spiked eggnog.
Weight Watchers pointed out that alcohol irritates the stomach, with GLP-1 drugs giving alcohol more time to linger in the stomach and increasing the chances of a bellyache and nausea.
“Alcohol is already known to cause GI distress, such as upset stomach, diarrhea, and acid reflux, so you may feel even worse when it’s combined with the medication (which can also cause those things),” Weight Watchers noted.
Sugary foods and drinks
FILE – Pies wait to be eaten before the Wookey Hole Big Eat Mince Pie Eating Contest, at the Wookey Hole Show Caves on Nov. 29, 2006 in Wookey Hole, near Wells, England. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
Speaking of sugar, that goes for many desserts, including cakes, cookies, pies, and pastries.
You can cross ice cream and candy, as well as soda and juice off the list, too.
“Some foods have a surprisingly high amount of added sugar,” GoodRx noted. “Make sure to check food labels so you don’t eat or drink something that has more sugar than you expected.”
Processed carbohydrates
FILE – A view from the Creative Film Fandor party during the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 8, 2014 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Ultra-processed carbohydrates, which are low in fiber and essential vitamins, can cause rapid increases in blood sugar that may hinder the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 drugs.
GoodRx said a few examples are white rice, white flour, and crackers.
It’s also a good idea to forego white bread and butter.
If you’re a fan of a good charcuterie board, skip any processed meat and full-fat cheese — and stay away from that big bowl of potato chips.
Starchy vegetables
FILE – A staff member serves mashed potatoes on February 25, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)
GoodRx also said starchy vegetables — such as potatoes, corn, parsnips, and rutabaga — have “a high glycemic load,” which can impact blood sugar levels.
“You don’t have to ditch starchy vegetables completely,” GoodRx noted. “But try to limit how much of them you eat.”