Travelling while on weight loss treatment

Whether you’re off for two weeks in the sun or a long weekend city break, when travelling with weight loss treatment, a bit of preparation goes a long way. It’ll help keep your medication safe, your routine steady, and your mind focused on relaxing, not worrying.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from storing your pens and adjusting your injection schedule across time zones to reordering before you go and staying comfortable with your eating and movement habits abroad. Let’s make sure your next trip is just as smooth as your weight loss journey so far.

Three key takeaways

• Your medication is more travel-friendly than you think, it doesn't need constant refrigeration for short trips.
• Crossing time zones won't derail your progress if you stick to a simple weekly schedule at your destination.
• You still have the freedom to enjoy holiday food and experiences without perfectionism or guilt.

Storing and refrigerating your pen when travelling

Storing your Mounjaro or Wegovy pen correctly is essential while travelling.

Always pack your medication in your hand luggage rather than your checked bag. This helps prevent exposure to freezing temperatures in the cargo hold and keeps your treatment with you if your luggage is delayed.

It’s also a good idea to carry your prescription or a doctor’s letter, especially if you’re travelling abroad. You can request this easily from your prescriber or provider.

For longer trips or warmer climates, consider using a medical travel pouch with cooling inserts or reusable cool packs made for these medications. These help keep your pen at a stable temperature without the risk of freezing.

Time zones and when to inject

If you’re flying far enough that you’ll be crossing a time zone, don’t worry. Even if you normally inject at the same time each week, that might not be practical if you’re somewhere, for example, six hours behind.

Instead, pick a local time that suits you and stick to your usual seven-day gap between injections. Keeping that regular schedule is what matters most.

You should never try to catch up or take a double dose. These medications are designed to be taken once a week, with a bit of flexibility if your routine changes.

Before you travel, set a reminder on your phone for your injection day. It’s easy to forget when you’re away and enjoying yourself, especially when you’re in a different routine.

Reordering and planning before you travel

When you’re going abroad, making sure you have enough medication is a top priority, especially if you’re away for a longer trip.

Delivery times can vary, particularly during busy holiday periods or when ordering close to weekends or bank holidays. To be safe, place your order at least two to three weeks before you travel.

Holiday nutrition

There are a few simple things you can do to stay comfortable and protect your progress while you’re away.

Build your meals around protein-rich foods such as grilled fish, chicken, eggs, or beans. These will help you feel fuller for longer, even while trying new dishes.

Be mindful of a few common holiday triggers that can catch you out:

• Buffets can encourage constant grazing
• Sugary cocktails can spike your blood sugar and leave you feeling sluggish
• Dehydration, especially in hot weather, can make side effects like constipation or bloating worse

Finally, stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is important for sun safety, helping manage GLP-1 medication side effects, and keeping you feeling your best throughout your trip.

Light movement while travelling

You don’t need to find a gym or stick to your usual workout routine to stay active on holiday. Chances are, you’re already moving more than you realise.

Walking tours, exploring new cities, navigating airports, or climbing stairs to viewpoints all count as meaningful exercise and are usually much more enjoyable than time on a treadmill. If you’re staying at a resort, even a few simple exercises in your hotel room can help you stay on track, even like swimming in hotel pool or the sea.

Try to see travel as a change of scenery, not a break from your healthy habits. You’re still maintaining your new lifestyle, just in a different environment.

By embracing this mindset, you can enjoy your holiday fully without guilt or pressure, while continuing to support your body and maintain the progress you’ve worked so hard for.

Easy ways to move more on holiday:

• Take the stairs instead of the lift
• Go for a walk along the beach after meals
• Book active excursions like kayaking or hiking
• Explore new places on foot instead of by taxi
• Stretch or do a few bodyweight moves in your hotel room each morning

What happens if I have side effects when on holiday?

If you do experience side effects when travelling, our advice remains the same as if you were not on holiday.

For example, if you're experiencing nausea, you need to stay hydrated. This might require more water than you usually drink if you're in a hot country and therefore sweating more. This is the same for constipation and diarrhoea.

If you've chosen to drink alcohol on holiday, keep in mind that this will also dehydrate your body.

What about increasing dose?

Often, patients will not increase their dose when going on holiday to avoid potential side effects. This decision will usually depend on their previous experiences when increasing their dose or if they've been having any side effects on the current dose.  

Travelling while on weight loss maintenance

Travelling while on weight loss maintenance is no different from travelling at any other stage of your treatment; it just takes a little preparation. Whether you’re maintaining your results or continuing a lower maintenance dose, planning ahead helps you stay consistent and confident while away.

Here’s what to keep in mind before you travel:

• Order your medication in advance. Make sure you have enough for your entire trip, plus a little extra in case of delays.
• Store it correctly. Keep it cool and stored safely!
• Check local regulations. Every country has different rules on bringing in prescription medication. Always check with the local authority or embassy of your destination before you go.
• Keep everything clearly labelled. Carry your medication in its original packaging, along with a copy of your prescription or doctor’s letter.

And don’t forget your everyday healthy habits! Staying hydrated, eating balanced meals, and fitting in regular movement can all help you stay on track. With the right preparation, travelling while on weight loss maintenance can be simple, stress-free, and a great opportunity to keep feeling your best while you explore.

Top tips from a pharmacist

"One thing I always tell patients before they travel is to check their pen when they arrive at their destination, if the solution looks cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles, it may have been exposed to temperature extremes and shouldn't be used.

It's also worth noting that some countries have strict regulations around importing prescription medications, so I recommend carrying a copy of your prescription and a doctor's letter, particularly if you're travelling outside Europe.

Finally, if you do experience more side effects whilst abroad, perhaps due to richer foods or dehydration, don't panic and stop your medication abruptly; instead, focus on smaller portions, increased water intake, and contact your prescriber if symptoms persist beyond 48 hours."

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy

Frequently asked questions

Can I put my pen in hotel mini-fridges or cool boxes?

Yes, but avoid placing it directly against the back wall or freezer compartment, as freezing will damage the medication and render it unusable.

What if my flight delays my injection day?

A delay of several hours or even a day won't harm your progress, just take your injection as soon as you're able and continue your weekly schedule from there. Never double dose to compensate.

Can I drink alcohol on holiday while on a maintenance dose?

Yes, in moderation. But be aware that alcohol can intensify side effects like nausea and may increase your appetite, so pace yourself and stay well hydrated.