NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — Food spending patterns are shifting as use of GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes medications expands (like Ozempic and Wegovy), with new research showing measurable reductions in grocery and restaurant demand within months of adoption.
A study highlighted by Meat + Poultry Magazine and published in the Journal of Marketing Research found households reduced grocery spending by an average of 5.3% within six months of starting GLP-1 medications, with higher-income households cutting spending by more than 8%.
Researchers from Cornell University analyzed transaction data from roughly 150,000 households tracked by Numerator, comparing GLP-1 users with similar non-users to isolate post-adoption changes. The steepest declines occurred in calorie-dense foods. Spending on savory snacks fell about 10%, with similar pullbacks in sweets, baked goods, cookies, and other indulgent categories. Core grocery items — including meat, eggs, and bread — also declined.
A small number of categories saw gains, led by yogurt, fresh fruit, nutrition bars, and meat snacks. Foodservice spending also softened, particularly at fast-food restaurants and coffee shops.
The study notes that lower food spending persists for at least a year among continued users, though the impact moderates over time. With GLP-1 use rising rapidly, researchers say long-term implications for food manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants could include changes to product mix, portion sizes, and marketing strategies.
