For the first time in decades, there is good news about obesity in America. According to the latest Gallup National Health and Wellness IndexThe obesity rate among U.S. adults fell this year to 37% from a peak of 39.9% in 2022. That's 7.6 million fewer adults who are obese.
This could mean a very different Thanksgiving holiday for many families, as a major reason for the decline is the explosive popularity of GLP-1 weight loss and diabetes drugs such as Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy and Mounjaro. A Gallup poll found that more than 12% of adults reported using a GLP-1 drug in the second and third quarters of 2025, compared to less than 6% at the start of 2024.
These drugs work by suppressing hormones that send hunger signals to the brain and slowing the digestion of food, causing a person to eat less. Potentially much less. Overeating or eating too quickly can cause nausea and heartburn, severe stomach upset, acid reflux, and cramping in people taking GLP-1. The drugs also speed up the absorption of alcohol, which leads to dehydration and intoxication.
This makes Thanksgiving, a largely food-focused holiday, difficult for GLP-1 users, their hosts and their companions.
So what's a Thanksgiving host to do? That golden turkey, gravy, stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, mac and cheese, pumpkin pie—these foods may be less appealing to some people taking GLP-1 medications. And if you're the one taking a weight-loss drug, how can you refuse part of the reward without being rude?
Obesity experts offer a few ways to get around these holiday minefields:
- First of all, if you are taking a GLP-1 drug or know someone who is taking the drug, try be careful of yourself and others on holidays. “I always remind people to be kind to themselves and avoid feelings of shame and guilt that come with food,” says Dr. Mandeep Bajaj, medical director of Baylor Medicine's Endocrinology and Diabetes Sector.
- Turkey is likely to remain in the spotlight this year as its protein-rich food is recommended for patients taking weight-loss drugs. If you are hosting guests, you can serve a smaller bird or just the breast. It may also help your wallet, as the USDA projects the wholesale price of frozen turkey this November to be $1.32 per pound, up from 94 cents in 2024.
- Hosts can also save on wine and spirits. A Weight Watchers Study found that 45% to 51% of people taking GLP-1 drugs reduced the amount of alcohol they consumed. But make sure you have plenty of water or sugar-free juices, as staying hydrated is important for everyone, including GLP-1 users.
- If you take GLP-1, do not skip your medication before Thanksgiving. Skipping one dose will not reduce the effects of overeating, but may increase the side effects when you start again.
- People taking weight loss medications may opt for green and leafy vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, green beans (without the fried onions and creamy dressing), and salad dressing. There's no need to cut out starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn, but homeowners may want to substitute olive oil for butter and use herbs and spices to add flavor instead of salt. “I encourage people to choose a food they love, but keep the portions small,” says Dulce Garcia, a registered dietitian and diabetes educator at Baylor College of Medicine.
- GLP-1 users may want to avoid foods such as macaroni and cheese, cookies, or other foods containing sugar and starch. Some traditionalists consider this blasphemous, in which case just make sure that the unhealthy bits don't take up too much space on your plate. As an option, hosts can offer fruit desserts in smaller portions.
- “Encourage your family to rethink their traditions and start new traditions,” says Dr. Chika Anekwe, clinical director of obesity medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “There are many ways to flavor food without adding fat or salt.” She suggests replacing hours at your desk with games or other activities.
- Anekwe also recommends that guests do not take any leftover food with them. “There’s no reason to stretch out the holiday meal over a week,” she says.
Plus, there's another source of tension at the Thanksgiving table: conversation. Gathering with family and friends can be a minefield at any time of year for people struggling with weight, but a holiday centered around food adds to the pressure. If someone eats much less than everyone else, or the owner deviates from their favorite foods, this can raise uncomfortable questions and judgment.
“Unfortunately, there is a lot of stigma around weight loss drugs, and we need to address that,” says Baylor's Dr. Bajaj. “It helps to remind people that you take these medications to be healthy, and you will get sick if you overeat.”
Take heart, though. With millions of Americans now using GLP-1 drugs, these medications are becoming more common every year. Guests may decide to ignore their tablemates' eating habits altogether and focus on something less controversial—like politics.
