Dr Sarah Jarvis is the Clinical Director of the Patient Platform, an active medical writer, broadcaster, and the resident doctor for BBC Radio 2.
When you’re using weight loss injections—often called “weight loss jabs”—and planning a holiday, a bit of preparation makes all the difference. As I tell my patients, it’s perfectly possible to holiday safely while on these medications. But you do need to think ahead about storage, timing, and how your body might respond in a different environment. You also need to think about the practicalities of travelling and staying at a new destination, with your medication.
Temperature Control
Many weight loss injections such as GLP-1 receptor agonists are temperature-sensitive. That means you can’t just toss them into your suitcase and hope for the best. You’ll need to keep them within a safe temperature range (for Mounjaro and Wegovy, this is between 2°C and 8°C) before opening.
You also need to keep them away from the cooling element. Once they’re opened, you can keep the pen for up to 6 weeks at a temperature below 30°C or in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) – again, making sure it’s away from the cooling element. Check with your pharmacist before you travel.
Keeping Things Cool
Even though you can keep medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy out of the fridge for up to 6 weeks once they’re opened, you should consider precautions while you’re away. An insulated travel pouch with a cool pack, or a cooled thermos container, can help keep your medication cool for several hours if you’re off to a hot climate.
Your pharmacist can advise. Make sure you’ve checked with your destination that there is a fridge at your accommodation and take a travel fridge thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature.
Hand Luggage Handling
Weight loss injection drugs should never be allowed to freeze, as this can make the medication ineffective. This is unlikely to be an issue (unless you’re off on an Arctic cruise!) if you keep them with you while travelling.
However, never put them in your hold luggage – you can’t guarantee the temperature in the hold. At airport security, you’re allowed to carry essential medication, including injectable devices, but it’s wise to bring a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s letter explaining what you’re carrying. This can save you unnecessary delays or questions.
READ MORE: Travelling with Medication
Timing is Everything
If you’re taking a weekly injection, a slight shift in timing usually isn’t a problem. You can often adjust by a day or so without issue. However, if you’re unsure, it’s best to maintain roughly the same interval between doses rather than sticking rigidly to a specific clock time.
For daily injections, you may need to gradually adjust your schedule over a couple of days. If in doubt, plan this with your GP or pharmacist before you travel.
Make Mine a Small One
Holidays often involve changes in routine—different foods, more alcohol, altered sleep patterns—and these can affect how you tolerate your medication. Common side effects of weight loss injections include nausea, reduced appetite, and sometimes diarrhoea or constipation. These can be more noticeable when you’re eating unfamiliar foods or eating at irregular times. Side effects also tend to be worse in the first few weeks after you increase your dose.
To manage this, try to ensure you’re on a stable dose before you travel. Once you’re there, pace yourself. You don’t need to “keep up” with everyone else at the buffet or restaurant. You might find that rich meals or large portions are harder to tolerate than usual. Keep a diary before you leave so you know which foods are most likely to upset your digestion.
Eat slowly, stop when you feel full, and stay well hydrated—especially in hot climates. Dehydration can worsen side effects like dizziness or headaches. If you do feel unwell, stick to simple, bland foods for a day or two and avoid alcohol until you feel better.
Don’t be Tempted by Cheap Alternatives
Be cautious about buying replacement medication abroad. Weight loss injections are prescription-only in most countries, and standards can vary. Counterfeit or improperly stored medications are a real risk in some areas. If you do lose your supply, it’s best to contact your GP or a reputable local medical provider rather than trying to source it independently.
Listen to Your Body
Travel can be physically demanding—long flights, heat, increased activity—and your response to medication may shift slightly. If you feel persistently unwell, don’t ignore it. Seek medical advice, particularly if you experience severe vomiting, signs of dehydration, or abdominal pain that doesn’t settle.
READ MORE: How to Stay Hydrated on Holiday
Just in Case
It’s also crucial to consider access to medical care while you’re abroad. If you’re travelling within the UK, this is straightforward, but if you’re going overseas, make sure you have appropriate travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions and prescribed medications. Using a specialist insurer such as Medical Travel Compared means you won’t find yourself with a huge bill if your condition isn’t covered.
READ MORE: What Do I Need to Declare on my Travel Insurance?
Also, make sure to carry a list of your medications (including their generic names) and any relevant medical history. And make sure you have the contact details of local medical services at your destination. This can be invaluable if you need to seek care.
READ MORE: How Can I Find Medical Care on Holiday?
The Bottom Line
With a bit of planning, you can travel safely and comfortably while using weight loss injections. The key is preparation: know your medication and your body’s reaction to it, plan your storage, adjust your timing sensibly, and stay attentive to how you feel. That way, you can focus on enjoying your holiday rather than worrying about your treatment.
For more helpful travel tips, visit our guides or travel blog.
Dr Jarvis has been paid by Lilly to teach healthcare professionals about GLP-1s in the last 5 years