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January 13.2026

2 Minutes Read

How Ozempic and Wegovy Are Changing Grocery Spending Patterns Across America

Ozempic injection pen packaging close-up, highlighting details.

The surprising impact of weight-loss medications on food spending

Americans are finding that weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are not only effective for trimming waistlines but also for trimming grocery bills. A recent study from Cornell University sheds light on a fascinating trend: households using these appetite-suppressing medications are substantially reducing their expenditures on food.

What the study revealed about grocery and restaurant spending

Conducted using transaction records from Numerator, the study revealed that within just six months of starting a GLP-1 medication, households reported an impressive average reduction in grocery spending of 5.3%. For higher-income households, this figure soared past 8%. Additionally, spending at fast-food restaurants and coffee shops also fell by approximately 8%. These reductions were notable in ultra-processed snack foods, with savory snacks alone seeing a spending drop of about 10%.

Understanding the spending patterns

It’s important to note that not all food categories experienced declines. Essentials like bread, meat, and eggs also saw reduced purchases, while yogurt and fresh fruit showed slight increases. This shift hints at how users of GLP-1 drugs are altering their dietary choices beyond simple calorie tracking.

The prospects for food manufacturers and retailers

The implications of these findings are profound for food manufacturers and retailers. With the growing number of households adopting GLP-1 medications—reportedly increasing from approximately 11% to over 16% in just under a year—there may be long-term shifts in consumer demand. The food industry could face a need to rethink product sizes, formulations, and marketing strategies to adapt to changes in dietary behavior driven by these medications.

Public health implications and ongoing discussions

These findings also spark important conversations about public health and dietary trends. The research suggests that biologically-driven appetite suppression may lead to more sustainable dietary changes compared to traditional methods like taxes or labels aimed at altering consumer behavior.

Looking forward: The future of appetite-suppressing medications

As GLP-1 medications become more prevalent, it's crucial to understand how these appetite-modulating drugs influence not just individual health outcomes but also broader economic and dietary landscapes. Continued findings in this research area will be critical, especially for healthcare professionals and policymakers aiming to address weight management challenges and improve health outcomes.

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