Andorra's Post-Christmas Health Slump Hits Hard

January brings a familiar wave of physical and mental exhaustion for many after the Christmas holidays in Andorra, as festive indulgences disrupt routines and take a toll on health.

Medical experts note a surge in consultations for digestive issues following the season's family meals and chaotic schedules. Chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension often destabilise, while gatherings in enclosed spaces heighten the risk of respiratory infections. Mental health concerns, including heightened anxiety and insomnia, also rise. "The key is moderation and sticking to healthy habits even during celebrations," one medical source emphasised.

Dietitian-nutritionist Alice Dénoyers warned against the annual rush of restrictive diets, express challenges, and unscientific "detox" plans promising quick fixes. "These ideas that the body needs cleansing lack any scientific basis," she said. Instead, she advocates maintaining normal eating patterns throughout December, limiting truly indulgent meals to three or four key dates. Turning the holidays into a "black hole of excess" fuels the cycle of extreme post-holiday restrictions, which can lead to fatigue, muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies, and rebound weight gain.

Sudden dietary shifts promoted by unqualified influencers—such as mono-diets or smoothie-only regimes—carry serious risks, Dénoyers added. "You might lose weight at first, but you also lose energy, performance, and health in the long run." Healthy eating, she stressed, is a year-round commitment, not a January punishment. Nutrition professionals like her work continuously to prevent illness and foster balance, and seeking help after excesses is a positive step.

Alcohol consumption, commonplace during festivities, draws fresh scrutiny with initiatives like Dry January. Eva Tenorio, president of Projecte Vida, described the challenge as a tool for self-awareness. "If you can't complete it, that's a red flag—especially with withdrawal symptoms, which can be fatal without treatment," she cautioned. Returning to heavy drinking after a sober month likewise signals the need for professional support.

Experts across medicine, nutrition, and addiction prevention agree: avoid extremes, respect individual choices, and prioritise sustainable habits. Cultural traditions underpin holiday eating and drinking, Dénoyers noted, but shaming those who choose moderation undermines healthy relationships with food and alcohol.