GP Advises One in 20 Brits on Weight Loss Medications to Avoid Pork and Other Festive Foods

As Christmas approaches, millions of Brits preparing for festive feasts should be aware of important dietary advice, especially those using popular weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy. A recent health advisory has highlighted that one in 20 people in the UK—around 2.5 million—taking these GLP-1 receptor agonists may need to avoid certain traditional holiday foods to sidestep unpleasant side effects.

Dr Crystal Wyllie, an NHS GP and doctor at ZAVA, explains that GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying and reduce hunger signals, which can trigger digestive issues when consuming rich, fatty, or sugary foods commonly found in Christmas meals. These side effects often include bloating, reflux, sulfur burps, nausea, diarrhoea, and sometimes vomiting.

Key culprits to limit or avoid include pork products like pigs in blankets, which combine fatty sausage and bacon; roast potatoes cooked in goose fat; large portions of meat; soft cheeses such as brie and camembert; brandy butter; and decadent desserts like the Yule log. These foods are high in fat and sugar, making them harder to digest and amplifying side effects in those on GLP-1 therapy.

Dr Wyllie advises moderation and choosing foods that are easier on the stomach during the festive period. Opting for lean proteins, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and reducing alcohol and caffeine can help maintain digestive comfort and improve medication effectiveness.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are prescription medications primarily used for type 2 diabetes but increasingly prescribed for weight management. They require specialist referral and medical oversight due to their potent effects on digestion and metabolism.

By understanding how these medications interact with certain holiday foods, those on GLP-1 therapies can enjoy the season while avoiding digestive discomfort that could overshadow their celebrations.