New findings from Oshi Health show women and mothers are most at risk of holiday-related gut distress, while money worries are a top GI trigger for all.
A new survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Oshi Health suggests a direct link between holiday stressors and an increased likelihood of gastrointestinal (GI) issues.
Americans’ gut health suffers during the holiday season
76% of Americans reported experiencing gastrointestinal stress and discomfort during the holiday season.
Yet women are more likely to experience gut issues, likely because they report bearing the bulk of holiday planning and responsibilities. This convergence of household duties, financial pressures, and social expectations creates a hidden holiday health crisis, one that falls hardest on what the survey identified as the “Holiday CEO.”
Women more likely to be “Holiday CEOs”
Women are significantly more likely than men to take on the role of “Holiday CEO,” responsible for seasonal planning, cooking, shopping, and hosting responsibilities. One in five women overall (20%) identify as Holiday CEOs, compared with just 8% of men.
The responsibility gap is even greater among parents, where over one in four moms (26%) say they “do it all”—more than four times the rate of dads (6%).
And their guts feel it
This added responsibility comes with health consequences. Nearly one in three Holiday CEOs (33%) say they’re more likely to experience gut symptoms during the end-of-year holiday season, compared with just over one in five non-CEOs (21%).
Parenting compounds workload and health toll
The GI toll is especially heavy on mothers: 34% of mothers who are holiday CEOs and have children under 18 report they are more likely to experience stomach issues during the holiday season, compared to 27% of non-parent women, 21% of total dads, and 18% of men without children.
Financial stress is the leading trigger of gut distress
When it comes to holiday gut distress, the culprit isn’t politics at the dinner table—it’s money.
Financial concerns are the most common causes of digestive health symptoms for everyone this holiday season, as 42% say financial stress makes their symptoms worse.
And for those who feel the financial strain, the effect is profound: they are twice as likely to report holiday GI issues (32%, vs. 16% of those not stressing about finances).
The takeaway
This convergence of household duties, financial pressures, and social expectations creates a hidden holiday health crisis.
While women face added challenges from caregiving roles and hormonal shifts, a complex mix of biological, psychological, and social factors shapes everyone’s gut. By connecting these dots, Oshi helps patients move past stigma, avoid costly care, and regain quality of life.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2504 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 26th – 30th September 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18+).
About Oshi Health
Oshi Health is the only nationwide multidisciplinary gastrointestinal (GI) medical clinic combining specialized medical, dietary, and gut-brain care proven to get patients better, faster. Available to people in all 50 states with the convenience of telehealth and in-network with most insurance providers, Oshi’s care accelerates the speed to diagnosis and symptom control— significantly improving people’s quality of life.
