Six festive foods to avoid this Christmas for weight-loss jab users, experts warn

An NHS GP has advised that people taking GLP-1 weight-loss injections should avoid six festive foods this Christmas because they can trigger unpleasant digestive side effects. The guidance targets users of popular injections such as Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy.

Dr Crystal Wyllie, an NHS GP and online doctor at private provider Zava, said rich, high-fat or very sugary foods slow stomach emptying even outside the holidays, but the risks increase as people overindulge during Christmas. "When the digestive system is already moving more slowly, heavy festive foods can sit in the stomach for longer than usual," she said. "This leads to the well-known and very common symptoms of bloating, reflux, wind, sulphur burps, nausea, diarrhoea and occasionally vomiting."

To reduce the risk, Dr Wyllie advised avoiding or reducing the amount of these trigger foods, though she said people do not necessarily need to cut them out entirely. "Smaller servings are gentler on a slowed digestion, helping prevent the heaviness, nausea and reflux that larger portions can trigger," she said. "Eating slowly, stopping at the first sign of fullness and spacing richer foods throughout the day can also make festive meals far more comfortable."

She identified six foods to avoid or limit during the festive period. First, pigs in blankets. They are high in fat and salt, which sit heavily in the stomach when digestion is slowed by GLP-1 medications. The double-fat combination of sausage and bacon often worsens nausea and vomiting, and they commonly trigger nausea, bloating, reflux and stomach pressure. Lean turkey sausages or much smaller portions paired with vegetables are suggested as alternatives.

Next, roast potatoes cooked in goose fat. Goose fat is extremely rich, and high-fat foods take longer to leave the stomach, something jab users are already prone to. This can lead to an uncomfortable “food sitting” feeling and sudden queasiness after eating. Olive oil or a mix of roasted and steamed potatoes is recommended as a substitute.

Large portions of meat also pose a problem. Dense protein requires significant digestive effort, and large servings can overwhelm the slowed gastric emptying caused by these medications. This often leads to discomfort or nausea after a big meal, which can occasionally cause vomiting. Bloated sensations and stomach cramps are common, so smaller portions of lean turkey breast or slow-cooked meats are advised, with protein spread across the day to reduce digestive strain.

Soft cheeses, such as brie and camembert, were flagged as problematic as well. They contain high levels of fat and can be difficult to digest, especially after a heavy meal. They commonly trigger nausea because the richness lingers in the stomach and can cause bloating and reflux. Reduced-fat cheeses, small amounts of hard cheese, or fruit may be better choices in festive spreads.

Brandy butter, often served with Christmas pudding, was identified as another high-risk item. It is almost entirely fat and sugar, the two biggest triggers for weight-loss jab-related digestive upset. Soft cheeses such as brie or camembert were also flagged as items to avoid due to their heaviness and quick onset of discomfort, with alternatives like lighter custard or yoghurt-based toppings suggested instead.

Finally, yule log was noted as a high-risk dessert. It is dense, chocolate-heavy and often filled with rich cream, making it slow to digest and very sweet. For GLP-1 users, even small slices can cause nausea, bloating, reflux and a sugar crash. Limiting portions or choosing lighter desserts can help reduce these effects.

Experts emphasize that avoidance does not have to be absolute. Smaller portions, slower eating, and spacing richer foods across the day can make festive meals more tolerable for people using weight-loss jabs. Those with diabetes or medical conditions should consult their clinician about meal planning during the holiday season.