New data from Sunlight.com shows that many GLP-1 users are planning to tweak their medication routine this Thanksgiving, so they can enjoy the holiday meal.
Key Findings:
- 40% of GLP-1 users plan to alter their medication routine for Thanksgiving: 6% will skip a dose, and 34% will adjust timing or dosage.
- 37% plan to wear clothing that shows off their weight loss progress.
- Most users say their GLP-1 use is supported by family and friends.
- Two-thirds of GLP-1 users want future Thanksgivings to focus more on gratitude and connection rather than food.
40% of GLP-1 Users Plan To Adjust Their Medication Routine
Most GLP-1 users aren’t letting their treatment stop them from enjoying the holiday. Ninety-five percent plan to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, and many expect to make changes to their medication routine to do it. About 6% will skip a dose altogether, and more than one-third (34%) plan to adjust their timing or dosage for the day.
Among those planning to skip a dose, 51% say their physician advised against it, while 29% say their doctor said it was acceptable. The remainder either have not yet consulted their doctor or don’t plan to. For those adjusting the timing of their dose, only 17% say their physician advised against the change, while 59% say their doctor said it was ok.
“Skipping or adjusting doses without proper medical monitoring is one of the most common reasons patients experience serious side effects,” says Dr. Angela Tran, who is board-certified in internal and obesity medicine. “These medications are highly effective for weight loss and blood sugar control, but without close oversight and clear communication from a trained medical team, adverse reactions can escalate quickly. That’s why it’s essential to work with a specialized medical weight loss team with the experience to keep patients safe.”
3 in 4 want to be able to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner
Among those altering their routine, 74% say it’s because they want to enjoy the food more. Another 36% cite discomfort with having to potentially explain why they aren’t eating much, and 31% point to social pressure around eating.
37% Intend To Show off Their Weight Loss
Many GLP-1 users are thinking about how they’ll present themselves at the holiday table. A total of 37% plan to wear clothing that highlights their weight loss progress, while 29% plan to hide their body to avoid attention.
Most users expect the holiday to go smoothly. About half expect a supportive response from family and friends, and 94% feel confident their relatives will respect their food choices. Only a small share expect judgment (8%) or criticism (4%). About 14% plan to refrain from discussing their GLP-1 use at all.
GLP-1 Users Want Thanksgiving To Evolve Beyond Food
Many GLP-1 users want the focus of the holiday to shift. About two-thirds, or 67%, want there to be more focus on gratitude and connection. Another 24% would like physical activity, such as walks or 5Ks, to play a larger role, and 21% want less focus on food altogether.
Nearly one in three GLP-1 users say they’re likely to make it look like they ate more than they actually did on Thanksgiving. This underscores the tension between appetite changes and food-centered gatherings.
Dr. Tran explains that while some may be anxious about the holiday, many GLP-1 users actually find these food-centered gatherings to be a better experience than before.
“Many GLP-1 users find that Thanksgiving and other holiday events become more enjoyable. The medication often helps people enjoy their favorite foods, while comfortably stopping when they’re full, avoiding the overindulgence that’s so common this time of year.”
She adds that a little preparation can make these celebrations feel smooth and stress-free.
“The easiest way to navigate these events is to plan ahead. Know what’s being served and plan to bring a side dish, so there is a reliable option. Patients can also look for fun physical activities like a turkey trot or a group walk, and join in with others who make it a yearly tradition. While food is often treated as the centerpiece of the holidays, the real focus is spending time with loved ones, which can make the season feel as it was meant to be — full of gratitude and joy.”
Methodology
This survey was designed by Sunlight.com. It was conducted in November 2025 among 1,250 U.S. adults who currently use a GLP-1 medication. The survey included demographic screening questions and embedded attention and quality-check items to verify eligibility and reliability of responses. All results are based on self-reported data. The results reflect the views of the participating GLP-1 users and are not weighted to represent the general population.