How to Manage Weight Loss Medication While Traveling Abroad

Photo by Alyona Yankovska on Unsplash

Recently, a dear patient of mine from Mexico returned to my office. We’ve been working together on his weight loss journey for almost a year now, which was a huge concern for him because his blood sugar levels had started to become abnormal, and he qualified as prediabetic. He is a man completely committed to his health, and we decided to start managing his excess weight with Wegovy. The results have been spectacular.

However, during this last visit, he decided to clear up a doubt that had been weighing on his mind. It turns out his son is getting married in a few months in another country, and of course, he was incredibly excited about it — and how could he not be! Just imagine your child’s wedding, with everything that entails. The point is that, along with this major family event, he also had nearly a month of sightseeing in another country ahead of him, which would naturally involve parties, banquets, and alcohol; you have to celebrate. Given the circumstances, the question was inevitable… “Doctor, what do I do about my treatment? How are we going to handle this special event?”

As you know, I’ve talked before about the famous “cheat days.” What is that all about? Well, some people who are making adjustments to their diet think that if they’ve been strict and disciplined with their healthy eating from Monday to Friday, they have the right to eat without restrictions over the weekend. It’s as if they could take a vacation from their diet.

We know this practice is not advisable. When patients give free rein to their culinary cravings, they often consume high-calorie, ultra-processed foods rich in unhealthy fats. Consuming these foods doesn’t just have an effect on the day of the overindulgence; it triggers brain and hormonal changes that leave people feeling less full for several days afterward, which leads them to eat more in the following days. Not to mention that, beyond the calories, ultra-processed foods cause a chronic inflammation that leads to weight gain.

Life is but a fleeting moment

So, what was my recommendation for my patient and friend?

I simply told him: life is short. It’s impossible not to enjoy these moments that are truly momentous, and even though we can remain committed to our goals, it’s important to live life to the fullest. This is a time to celebrate, so if he wanted to have a good tequila, he was more than welcome to! If he wanted to enjoy the local cuisine of that country, then ¡órale!, as Mexicans say. Of course, doing so mindfully.

Under these circumstances, for example, it is not recommended to stop the medication completely. He definitely needs to bring it along, but we can certainly allow ourselves to lower the dose a bit, and why not? Eat a little more. We aren’t machines. Could he gain a few pounds during the trip? Of course! And it’s no big deal; there’s no need to obsess over a number. Weight can fluctuate, go up and down; the important thing is to stay mindful of where we are headed at all times and to moderate things as they unfold.

Forethought and conscious moderation

And this is where foresight and planning are essential. What am I talking about? If you already know that on a certain day you’re going to bed very late, that you’re going to drink alcohol, eat a lot at night, and probably have a good portion of dessert… well, try to eat less during the day before the event! Reduce the amount of food you usually eat, because an overindulgence is coming up that night. The next day, you could also cut back a bit and try doing a day of intermittent fasting. Don’t forget physical exercise. You could do an intense workout session the afternoon before and the morning after that massive party!

You don’t have to eat everything! Don’t forget that… Do you want to get completely stuffed with food? Fine! I know you’re celebrating, but you can choose more protein, more vegetables, fewer fried foods, and fewer sweets.

Life is meant to be shared, enjoyed, and lived happily, but with mindfulness and balance. I hope this is helpful for everyone who has a potential special occasion or trip on the horizon.

Cheers and to your health!