For the more than 15 million U.S. adults who are currently taking Ozempic or another GLP-1 drug for diabetes or weight loss, Thanksgiving may look a little different than it did prior to starting the medication.

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications reduce appetite by sending signals of fullness to the brain and slowing down emptying of the stomach.

Common side effects include nausea, constipation and reflux.

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“The rate at which the stomach is purged of food (and acid) is slowed significantly, almost to the point of backup,” Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert, told Fox News Digital.

“Essentially, they are ‘injectable fullness’ – and sometimes to a fault.”

Osborn often prescribes GLP-1s to his patients as an effective way to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes, but he acknowledged the digestive side effects, recommending that people pay extra attention to the size and macronutrient content of meals.

“With some planning and strategies, you can enjoy the holiday without compromising your health goals.”

“Navigating Thanksgiving while on GLP-1 medications can be a bit different, but with some planning and strategies, you can enjoy the holiday without compromising your health goals,” Dr. Britta Reierson, a family physician and medical director at knownwell in Minneapolis, Minnesota, told Fox News Digital.

The doctors offered the following tips for the upcoming holiday.

Choose foods wisely

“If your appetite is reduced due to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, focus on smaller portions of nutrient-dense foods,” Osborn said. 

“Prioritize lean protein, non-starchy vegetables and fiber-rich sides to meet your nutritional needs without overloading your digestive system.”

“If your appetite is reduced due to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, focus on smaller portions of nutrient-dense foods,” a doctor advised. (iStock)

Reierson agreed that lean protein and veggies should be the main components of the meal. “Turkey, roasted vegetables and salads are great options,” she said.

It’s wise to limit high-fat, sugary foods, Reierson added.

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“You can still enjoy these foods in moderation, but keep the portion sizes small to minimize any gastrointestinal discomfort,” she said. 

“Also avoid fried foods, as they can be harder to digest and may cause or worsen nausea.”

Look for smart swaps

Osborn recommended incorporating healthier versions of traditional foods whenever possible. 

“For example, choose roasted vegetables instead of buttery casseroles or opt for turkey breast without gravy to reduce unnecessary fat,” he suggested.

Experts recommend choosing healthier versions of traditional foods whenever possible.  (iStock)

“Remember, fat slows gastric emptying – it’s why you feel full when you eat a fatty meal.”

When taking GLP-1 medications, gastric emptying is already slowed, Osborn noted, which means too much fat ingested in one sitting will cause nausea and potential vomiting.

Opt for smaller portions

The experts recommended doling out smaller portions of favorite dishes.  

“You can enjoy traditional Thanksgiving dishes, but in much smaller quantities,” Osborn said. “Focus on a few bites of high-calorie dishes rather than full servings.”

Reierson agreed, adding, “You can still enjoy all the variety and bounty of the meal without overeating.”

“Listen to your body, and don’t feel pressured to eat a whole plate if you’re not hungry.”

Eat mindfully

Overindulging while on GLP-1 medications can lead to nausea or discomfort, Osborn warned.

“Listen to your body, and don’t feel pressured to eat a whole plate if you’re not hungry,” he said. “It’s OK to take small bites, chew slowly and savor the flavors.” 

“You can still enjoy all the variety and bounty of the meal without overeating,” an expert said. (iStock)

As these medications will help you feel full sooner, it’s important to pay close attention to your body’s signals, he noted. 

“Remember, there is a delay between eating and one’s perception of satiety,” Osborn said. “And this can hit you like a tidal wave if you’re not careful.”

He added, “Stop eating as soon as you feel satisfied, not stuffed.”

Plan for leftovers

If you can’t clear your plate in one sitting, simply pack it up and take it home. 

“You can enjoy your favorite holiday dishes over several days, so there is no need to overeat during the meal,” Reierson noted.

Stay hydrated

Hydration is important for everyone, but particularly those on GLP-1 medications.

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Since “GLP-1 medications can slow gastric emptying, dehydration can worsen side effects. Drink water throughout the day and shortly after your meals.”

Don’t skip meals

“Avoid the temptation to skip meals earlier in the day to ‘save up’ for the big meal,” Reierson advised.  

“This will often backfire and can lead to overeating and discomfort.”

Keep it simple and polite

If someone comments on your small portion size, Osborn recommended keeping it “simple and polite.”

You shouldn’t feel obligated to explain your medication unless you’re comfortable doing so, doctors said.  (iStock)

“You could say, ‘I’m not as hungry today, but everything looks amazing,’ or ‘I’m focusing on smaller portions, as big meals make me feel lousy,’” he suggested. 

You shouldn’t feel obligated to explain your medication unless you’re comfortable doing so, the doctor added. 

“So many people are on GLP-1 agonists nowadays that it has become more widely accepted.”

Don’t be afraid to communicate openly, Reierson said. 

If you can’t clear your plate in one sitting, simply pack it up and take it home, experts advised. (iStock)

“Explain that you are on a medication that affects your appetite,” she said.   

“If you are not comfortable sharing, it may work well to simply deflect with positivity that you are focusing on healthier eating habits or you aren’t very hungry.”

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Overall, said Reierson, the important thing is to keep it simple.

“With a bit of mindfulness, you can enjoy Thanksgiving without the side effects.”

Texas’ first locally transmitted case of dengue fever in 2024 has been recorded as the state is experiencing its highest annual case count in decades, officials say. 

The mosquito-driven virus was found in a resident of Cameron County, which is the southernmost county in the state, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). 

“It has been a highly active year for dengue virus globally. As of today, there have been 106 travel-associated dengue cases, including one death reported in Texas,” the agency said Monday. 

“This is the highest annual case count in Texas since 2002,” it added. “Precautions should be taken to protect against mosquito bites in Texas and while traveling internationally to countries where dengue is endemic.” 

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DSHS says the dengue virus – which is often found in places such as the “South Pacific, Asia, the Caribbean, South and Central America, and Africa” – is transmitted by mosquitos and about 25% of those who become infected are symptomatic. 

“After about three to 14 days, infected people may develop fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle aches, joint pain, bone pain, pain behind the eyes and headaches. Most people recover completely within two weeks,” according to the agency. “However, about one in 20 symptomatic people develop a severe infection that can be fatal if untreated.” 

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A worker is seen releasing smoke during a fumigation campaign against the mosquito that transmits the dengue virus, on June 24, in San Salvador, El Salvador. (Aphotografia/Getty Images)

Texas health officials are now urging the public to “not give mosquitoes a biting chance” by wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and removing standing water that provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

Dengue fever typically spreads through mosquito bites in countries where the disease is common. (iStock)

“Since 2013, there have been 665 cases of dengue virus in Texas, including 40 cases that were acquired locally in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Val Verde, Webb and Willacy counties. Mosquitoes remain active in much of Texas into November and December,” DSHS said. 

The Thanksgiving holiday is all about being grateful for what’s present in your life — and giving thanks can also provide an unexpected health boost.

Practicing gratitude has been shown to improve people’s mood and mental health, according to experts.

In a conversation with Fox News Digital, M. David Rudd, PhD, distinguished professor of psychology at The University of Memphis, explained how emotional experiences are “defined by cognitive processes,” or how people think.

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“Gratitude is a reminder that, in many ways, perspective in life is everything,” he said.

The link between gratitude and happiness

When it comes to happiness, gratitude is a “central theme,” according to Rudd.

“In general, optimists tend to be happier in life than pessimists, even if their optimism is considered ‘naive,’” he said. “Gratitude is more common in optimists as well.”

The idea that there are “always things to be grateful for in life, regardless of hardships or daily challenges, is critical to an optimistic orientation in life and, ultimately, happiness,” Rudd added.

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As happier people tend to be more disciplined and generally productive, this proves a “critical link” between emotion and motivation, the expert noted.

The connection between faith and gratitude

The concept of gratitude is intertwined with faith, according to Rabbi Pinchas Taylor of Florida, who spoke about the early settlers expressing both sentiments.

“When they arrived on these shores, their first instinct was gratitude,” he told Fox News Digital. 

“They gave thanks to a God who, in their eyes, had delivered them from danger and granted them the opportunity to live freely and faithfully in a new land.”

“Gratitude is a reminder that, in many ways, perspective in life is everything,” an expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

A learned behavior

Gratitude is more than “just a perspective,” Rudd said — it is also a learned skill that can be “developed with practice,” much like exercise and social connections.

The human brain is “wired to be kind of critical,” according to clinical psychologist and NYU Langone Health associate professor Thea Gallagher.

“Gratitude is a reminder that, in many ways, perspective in life is everything.”

“If there’s a shirt and we see a stain on it, we’re going to notice the stain before we’re going to notice the rest of the shirt,” she used as an example in an interview with Fox News Digital.

Instead of focusing on the negative, Gallagher suggested training the mind to extend attention to “things that are good.”

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The goal is not to spread “toxic positivity” by pretending that “everything is fine,” Gallagher noted.

While it’s important to acknowledge and address challenges and stressors in life, she encourages people to highlight and identify the things that are going well or bringing happiness, and to be thankful for them.

Focusing on “mutual connections” at family gatherings, instead of disagreements, can promote gratitude and positive mental health, an expert said. (iStock)

This exercise can help “bring us back to the present,” which is another way to practice mindfulness, according to Gallagher.

“I have toddlers, and sometimes I’m like, ‘Oh, my gosh, it’s so stressful, so much work,’” she said. “But if I pause and laugh at something they’ve just done … it brings me back into that moment.”

“Let us not only celebrate our blessings, but also recommit to the faith and morality that make those blessings possible.”

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“And then I can say, ‘Yeah, parts of this phase are hard and challenging and overwhelming, but other parts are really fun.’”

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Mindfulness techniques are known to be important for mental health and a way to alleviate anxiety and depression, Gallagher added.

An expert recommended writing down three things that you are grateful for, whether big or small, at the end of each day. (iStock)

At the end of the day, Gallagher recommends writing down three things that you are grateful for, whether big or small.

“You actually are giving [these moments] the kind of honor they deserve,” she said.

Rabbi Taylor added, “This Thanksgiving, let us not only celebrate our blessings, but also recommit to the faith and morality that make those blessings possible.”

Fox News Digital’s Maureen Mackey contributed reporting.