The appetite-suppressing drug Ozempic is not only reshaping waistlines but also altering dining habits, a shift that is prompting businesses to adapt. Medical experts and surveys have found that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are influencing Americans’ eating patterns, leading to a decrease in frequent dining out and takeout meals. A recent Bloomberg Intelligence report reveals that 54% of the 1,000 GLP-1 users surveyed have dined out significantly less or less frequently since starting the medication, while a similar share reported cutting back on takeout.
Fortune magazine reported that 70% of the respondents have increased home cooking since starting the drugs. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 drugs regulate blood sugar levels and slow digestion, which leads to users consuming smaller portions or preferring nutrient-packed meals. This shift has made restaurant dining more challenging for many. With about 4% of Americans currently taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss or diabetes, prescriptions for the drug for obesity have surged by nearly 600%.
Dr. Fernando Ovalle Jr., an obesity medicine specialist in Florida, noted that patients consistently report restaurant portions, which once seemed normal-sized, now feel overwhelming. Many users say they can barely finish a third of their usual order, which can make dining out feel wasteful and expensive. Ovalle explained that GLP-1 users also find calorie-dense meals such as fried foods, rich sauces, and desserts less appealing. Instead, they are more likely to split entrées, skip appetizers, and avoid sugary drinks, including cocktails.
Retailers are adapting by modifying their menus, offering smaller portions, and protein-forward options to cater to this changing demand. For instance, Tucci, a restaurant in New York City, is now serving smaller sizes of its Italian favorites like meatballs and arancini. Owner Max Tucci revealed that customers are not embarrassed to request smaller portions due to taking Ozempic. Industry experts suggest that other factors, including Gen Z’s dining habits and labor shortages, are also contributing to the reshaping of the restaurant industry.
The pullback in dining out is being felt across income levels and could be further influenced by factors like tariffs and labor shortages. Novo Nordisk, the company behind Ozempic and Wegovy, emphasized the effectiveness of its drug in improving health outcomes for those with obesity and diabetes, underscoring its commitment to innovation and enhancing patients’ lives.