Should I Start Semaglutide or Tirzepatide Before the Holidays?

3
 min read by:
Jordan Pellikan

Should I Start Semaglutide or Tirzepatide Before the Holidays?

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. But for many, it's also a period of weight gain and health concerns. Holiday eating and weight management become even more challenging during this festive season.

If you're one of those individuals, you might be wondering, "Should I start on GLP-1s before the holidays, or save it for my New Years Resolution?"

GLP-1s, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, are a class of medications that can aid in weight loss. They work by regulating your appetite and controlling your blood sugar levels.

Starting on GLP-1s before the holidays could help manage your weight during a time of increased food temptation, allowing you to still enjoy the foods you love so much, just in lesser amounts.

This article aims to provide you with evidence-based information on GLP-1s. It will help you understand their role in weight loss, the benefits of starting them before the holidays, and how to mitigate potential side effects.

Understanding GLP-1s and Their Role in Weight Management

GLP-1s, including medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, are treatments originally developed for diabetes. They have, however, gained recognition for their weight loss benefits. These drugs mimic the natural hormone GLP-1, which helps control appetite and blood sugar levels.

In the context of weight loss, GLP-1s slow gastric emptying, making you feel fuller for longer and feel fuller, quicker. This physiological effect can decrease overall food intake, promoting gradual and sustainable weight reduction.

Research supports the effectiveness of GLP-1s in weight management. Studies show that users typically experience significant weight loss compared to those using a placebo. These findings are compelling, especially for individuals struggling with traditional weight loss methods.

Comparing GLP-1s to traditional methods reveals several advantages:

  • They offer appetite control, reducing the urge to overeat.
  • They provide better blood sugar regulation, lowering diabetes risk.
  • They allow for more consistent and measurable weight loss results.

Thus, integrating GLP-1s into a weight loss plan can enhance overall effectiveness, making a significant difference in managing weight and improving health.

The Benefits of Starting GLP-1s Before the Holiday Season

The holiday season often brings an abundance of food and drink, creating a minefield of dietary temptations. GLP-1 weight loss medications can help manage cravings during this time, ensuring you stay on track without relying on willpower alone. We have all postponed health-focused resolutions in the past, but now we don’t have to.

There's also a psychological edge to maintaining weight control during the holidays. Feeling in control can boost your confidence, allowing you to enjoy social events without anxiety about weight gain stemming from overconsumption. This sense of empowerment can carry over into other areas of your life, promoting a healthier self-image and feelings of empowerment.

GLP-1s can also assist in preserving a healthy routine amidst holiday chaos. The medications support consistent meal patterns by lessening hunger cues. Thus, you can stick to a balanced eating schedule despite irregular holiday festivities. You won’t feel like a failure for “slipping off the wagon” or “digging a hole” for yourself amidst the celebrations.

Ultimately, GLP-1s offer a valuable tool for navigating holiday challenges. They act as guardrails to ensure that you’re able to get a head start on your health goals without sacrificing your traditions.

Lifestyle Integration during the Holidays

Consider this. It’s Halloween with the family, and you enjoy an abundance of candy, cider, and other treats. You’re also in the midst of peak football season, the World Series has just wrapped up, and the NBA is tipping off, so food and beverage are present while watching your favorite sports (and/or binge watching your favorite streaming service during the colder months).

Before you know it, it’s Thanksgiving, and those leftovers parlay into December, where you’re connecting with friends and family throughout the Holiday Season. Come January 1st (let’s face it—January 2nd), you feel like you’ve now “undone” most of your weight loss from the year before, having to start over in the New Year. It almost feels hopeless, and so the uphill climb begins again.

Now, imagine that didn’t have to be the case. Imagine you had a way to maintain traction while traversing sporting events, watch parties, holiday celebrations, and the 2025 Ball Drop. You don’t have to starve yourself, turn down dessert, or “go keto” and miss your traditional favorites. With GLP-1 medications, this is possible. Thousands of our fellas take this exact approach during the holidays and don’t miss a beat. Come January, they don’t feel “behind the 8-ball”—instead, they’re empowered to catch their stride once again without a hitch, pleased with having maintained and, in many cases, lost weight during the holiday stretch.

Preparing for the Holidays: Practical Tips and Strategies

The holiday season often presents challenges for maintaining healthy eating habits for most folks. With tempting treats and indulgent meals, it's easy to veer away from the path that you were on prior to the holiday season. However, you can navigate this time with some strategic planning to compliment your GLP-1 regiment if you’re on them or planning to get started to help you navigate the holiday season in a healthful manner.

Start by focusing on portion control during festive gatherings. Prioritize vegetables and lean proteins on your plate, especially when it comes to starters/appetizers. Often, calories can accumulate quickly with processed finger foods before the main course even begins. Fill up on these less-calorically dense foods first, as they will provide more satiety.

Holiday eating and social pressures can be daunting. Politely declining extra servings or drinks can help you maintain your regimen, though can be tough to do in the face of social pressure. Nursing higher calorie options can allow you to take place without being pressured to indulge further. Remember, it's okay to enjoy in moderation without overindulging—there’s nothing wrong with prioritizing your health!

Here are additional strategies for success:

  • Plan meals ahead of time, opting for healthier recipes when you are able to influence what’s being prepared
  • Practice mindful eating, staying aware of portion sizes and how much food you’re consuming during appetizers, the main course, and dessert
  • Stay aware of “hidden” calories in savory sauces, calorically-dense beverages, and grabbable snacks placed in dishes (e.g. pretzels, candies, nuts)
  • Stay active with family walks or festive activities such as bowling, decorating, or even ice skating

These tips can ensure a balanced, enjoyable holiday experience without compromising your health journey. Life doesn’t exist in a vacuum—committing to a balanced approach and mitigating “pass/fail” and “all-or-nothing” mindsets can be hugely helpful, whether or not you’ve begun GLP-1 treatment yet. You can do this—prioritizing your health

Consultation and Personalization: Your Next Steps

Before starting GLP-1s, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider—at Fella, we ensure you can do so without disruptive, sync meetings and long wait times. This way, we can guarantee your treatment choice aligns with your health goals AND you don’t waste any time.

A personalized GLP-1 plan will help you find success no matter the time of year, allowing you to sustain your momentum without disrupting your busy schedule. Your provider will tailor your dosage based on your medical history and weight loss goals, and work closely with you throughout.

🎯 Take our 2-minute personalized assessment to discover whether Tirzepatide or Semaglutide might be right for you.

Our quick quiz considers your:

  • Health history
  • Weight loss goals
  • Lifestyle preferences
  • Budget considerations

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Conclusion: Empowering Your Health Journey

Starting GLP-1s before the holidays offers numerous benefits, like controlling cravings, maintaining a healthy routine, and being able to take a more balanced approach this year. These advantages can help you manage weight effectively during festive gatherings and feel good about the choices that you’re making.

Taking control of your health is a powerful decision. Embrace the opportunity to improve your well-being and take actionable steps to living a healthy life, minimizing lifestyle risk factors along the way.

To continue your health journey, take our quiz or explore our treatments.

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