More consumers are using GLP-1 drugs to lose weight, and those consumers spend less on fast food.
That, at least, is according to a new study by Pyxis, the consumer intelligence division of Bain & Company.
That study found that users of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic, spend 4% less on groceries and 5% less on fast food.
That could be a potential challenge for the industry in the coming years given the growing popularity of such medications.
This is not an insignificant market. Nearly one in four U.S. adults are expected to have tried a GLP-1 medication by 2030. The medications have historically been used to treat diabetes but have been found to help consumers lose weight. And 60% of users take the medication to lose weight, at least in part, according to Pricewaterhouse Coopers.
These medications are also now available in pill form. GLP-1 medications had typically been injected, but a Wegovy pill was approved in December for chronic weight management. Nearly 12% of Americans have used such drugs, according the Rand Corp. The pills are expected to increase their popularity further.
The pills have been found to be just as effective as other GLP-1 medications at controlling blood sugar and promoting weight loss.
The growing popularity of such medications have already led to speculation that they’re a factor in weak traffic that has plagued much of the industry in 2025.
Restaurant chains are already taking steps to adjust to this consumer. Numerous chains are adding protein-centric items to their menus. Restaurants are creating smaller portions for consumers with reduced appetites.
The popularity of these medications give the industry one more thing to think about as they work to rebuild traffic, including weakness among lower-income consumers and limits on immigration that may be keeping population growth to a minimum.
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