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.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Rising GLP-1 adoption may gradually reshape food demand, with potential downstream effects for protein markets and consumer purchasing patterns.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Market reaction was bearish for corn and soybeans, with analysts noting that abundant supplies amid tepid demand could keep price pressure on agricultural commodities.
January 12, 2026 03:51 PM
·
Leadership development and bipartisan engagement remain central to advancing agriculture’s priorities in 2026.
January 12, 2026 11:40 AM
·
As domestic production and blending slowed, export demand remained a clear bright spot.
January 11, 2026 12:00 PM
·
How the Public Trust Doctrine Threatens Agricultural Property Rights
January 10, 2026 07:00 PM
·
Protein markets are fragmenting. Beef is supply-driven and more structurally expensive, whereas pork and poultry remain price-competitive.
January 10, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Reducing mental stress and focusing on controllable actions can improve decision-making in high-pressure environments, according to Hollywood actor and former Calif Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
January 09, 2026 03:59 PM
·
Tight fed supplies shift margin risk to packers, strengthening cattle price leverage but increasing volatility.
January 09, 2026 03:36 PM
·
Expanding chicken supplies are likely to keep prices under pressure in early 2026 despite steady demand growth.
January 09, 2026 11:00 AM
·
Prompt removal of Christmas trees and careful handling of decorations reduce winter fire risk during an already high-demand season for emergency services.
January 09, 2026 08:00 AM
·
