Introduction to the New Thanksgiving Norm
Jennifer Stojkovic is pumped for Thanksgiving. As a new mom, she needs extra calories for recovery and breastfeeding — and the Super Bowl of Eating is the perfect excuse to load up. Stojkovic, who gave birth to son Roman in September, has been craving carbs, specifically a sweet potato casserole with brown sugar, dried cranberries, a streusel topping and mini marshmallows. One problem: Several members of Stojkovic’s immediate and extended family are on GLP-1 diabetes and weight loss drugs, which means their appetites and tastes have shrunk along with their waistlines.
Jennifer Stojkovic gave birth to her son, Roman, in September. She pointed out she’s allowed an extra 3,500 calories a week because she’s breastfeeding. She may have a hard time finding them in her Thanksgiving spread. Courtesy Jennifer Stojkovic
The Impact of Weight Loss Drugs on Thanksgiving
Stojkovic expects to see a “streamlined menu” at her LA gathering, featuring fewer appetizers and sweets and more protein-packed fare instead of carb-heavy dishes. So much for feast mode. Ozempic, Mounjaro and Zepbound are the party crashers transforming Thanksgiving dinners from stuff-yourself-silly suppers to sad samplers. Because these drugs have become particularly popular among women 50 to 64 years old, Mom and Nonna are helming The Great Thanksgiving Slim-Down — whether you like it or not.
Sayonara, Sugar!
Take Erin Cadden, for example. The Pennsylvania grandmother of four has shed 40 pounds on a compounded GLP-1 drug since 2023. The med mimics the natural GLP-1 hormone, leaving her feeling fuller for longer and curbing her cravings. Pennsylvania grandma Erin Cadden lost 40 pounds on a compounded GLP-1 drug. Low-calorie substitutes have helped keep the weight off. Courtesy Erin Cadden
To help maintain her weight loss, Cadden has been quietly substituting a half cup of zero-calorie Stevia for 1 cup of sugar in her legendary, creamy Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole. Shhhh! The pecan-crusted side dish — which Cadden admits is more dessert than vegetable — is inspired by a version made by Ruth’s Chris Steak House. She swears that no one has noticed — and it’s as delicious.
Buck the Belt-Busting Buffet
And in rural Alabama, Andrea Lusk‘s Thanksgiving spread will be missing pecan pie, sweet potato pie, ham, baked macaroni and cheese, onion-topped green bean casserole, marshmallow-less sweet potato casserole, deviled eggs, yeast rolls, potato salad, cranberry sauce and her famous Kentucky wonder beans. She insists her family is skipping Thanksgiving at her home for other commitments — not because she’s eased up on the butter. Andrea Lusk typically hosts lots of family members at her Alabama home for the holidays. This year, she’s planning to go to Golden Corral and not pack on the pounds. Courtesy Andrea Lusk
Lusk has dropped 15 pounds since August, thanks to semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. Her husband is also along for the GLP-1 ride. Their meals have gotten healthier, and their plates have gotten smaller.
Rice and Beans? No, Thanks!
Chloe Krznar‘s diabetic grandma — a professional baker for over 30 years — tried lots of things to shed weight over the years. She finally found success starting Ozempic over a year ago, dropping nearly 70 pounds. Though Krznar is proud of her transformation, there’s an uneasy dynamic when the pair goes out to eat. Krznar, an Ohio college student, cleans her plate while her grandma picks at hers. Drugs like Ozempic mimic the natural GLP-1 hormone, leaving users feeling fuller for longer and curbing cravings. myskin – stock.adobe.com
Not only has her grandma reduced her portion sizes, but now she’s on a whole-food diet, so Krznar expects to see new Thanksgiving dishes this week. “She might change it up a little bit,” Krznar said. “She’s very into rice and beans and things like that.” And will Krznar, whose favorite part of Thanksgiving is the homemade mashed potatoes, partake in these options? “No,” she confessed. “Probably not.”
Stay the Course
GLP-1 users who aren’t hosting Thanksgiving should review the menu ahead of time and bring dishes that fit their needs, experts say. It can be easy to navigate a rich Thanksgiving spread compared to, say, navigating politics at the dinner table. Monkey Business – stock.adobe.com
“Maybe you’ll just bring some oven-roasted yams instead of the candied yams … or [a] turnip can be very good with just some cinnamon on it,” Dr. Sue Decotiis, a triple-board certified medical weight loss physician based in Manhattan, told The Post. “It’s kind of nice that you can control what you’re having, and others can enjoy that as well.” Decotiis said turkey, salad and vegetables like Brussels sprouts are ideal. She also suggests drinking lots of water and being careful around foods with a high glycemic index, which quickly raise blood sugar. Think white rice, pasta without protein, white potatoes, commercial stuffing and sugary yams.
Conclusion
The rise of weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound is transforming the way people approach Thanksgiving. With many users experiencing reduced appetites and cravings, the traditional Thanksgiving feast is being replaced by healthier, lower-calorie options. While this shift may be challenging for some, it also presents an opportunity for families to come together and find new ways to enjoy the holiday.
FAQs
Q: What are GLP-1 weight loss drugs, and how do they work?
A: GLP-1 weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, mimic the natural GLP-1 hormone, leaving users feeling fuller for longer and curbing cravings.
Q: How will GLP-1 weight loss drugs affect Thanksgiving celebrations?
A: GLP-1 weight loss drugs may lead to a more streamlined menu, with fewer appetizers and sweets and more protein-packed fare instead of carb-heavy dishes.
Q: What can GLP-1 users do to navigate a rich Thanksgiving spread?
A: GLP-1 users can review the menu ahead of time, bring dishes that fit their needs, and focus on healthier options like turkey, salad, and vegetables.
Q: Should GLP-1 users skip their shots on Thanksgiving to partake in the traditional feast?
A: No, GLP-1 users should not skip their shots, as this can lead to weight gain and other negative health consequences. Instead, they should focus on finding healthier options and controlling their portions.
