There’s no denying the weight-loss drug’s popularity in the United States, according to a November survey by the health policy organization KFF, with nearly one-third of adults relying on GLP-1s to shed pounds or treat a chronic condition.
The GLP-1 industry is generating billions in revenue – and growing. Drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovi accounted for a significant share of Denmark’s GDP, generating more than $31 billion in revenue for Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk in 2024. Reuters reports.
Weight loss drugs have also spread rapidly through the cultural zeitgeist with celebrities endorsing and endorsing the use of their products. Social media is alight with conversations about the drug, with hashtags such as “Ozympic Face” being used to describe the apparent effects of rapid weight loss. And it’s likely that we’ll see greater uptake of GLP-1s now that the drugs, once only available as injections, are being made into pills.
But the impact of GLP-1s extends far beyond the health and well-being of those who use them: They’re affecting revenue—for better or worse—in a whole host of industries.
Desire for change
Studies show that the use of GLP-1 contributes to less spending on groceries and fast food. Weight loss can change a patient’s eating habits and appetite, according to New York-based registered dietitian Nicolette Pace.
“When they’re losing weight, people sometimes go, ‘I’m not hungry’ … and ‘I’m not eating like I used to,'” Pace said. independent.
A board-certified integrative medicine physician in North Carolina, Dr. According to Will Haas, GLP-1s can also suppress cravings because they affect the brain’s “reward centers.”
Losing weight can change a patient’s eating habits and appetite, according to Nicolette Pace, a registered dietitian in New York (Getty/iStock)
“You’re not getting that kind of reward feedback loop from some ultra-processed foods,” he said. independent.
It seems grocery baskets are taking a hit. Families with at least one GLP-1 user saw their grocery spending drop by more than 5 percent within six months, according to a study published in the peer-reviewed journal. Journal of Market Research In December.
A study published in January by consulting firm Bain & Company also found that US consumers who took GLP-1 spent an average of 5 percent less on fast food.
Some big fast food companies are already seeing sales decline and economic analysts have described weight-loss drugs as “demand disruptors” in the industry, CBS News reported.
McDonald’s could lose 28 million customer visits and $482 million a year due to the growing popularity of the GLP-1 drug, Redburn Atlantic, a financial analysis firm, told CBS News.
US consumers who take GLP-1s spend an average of 5 percent less on fast food, a study reveals (Getty Images)
Some food companies are trying new marketing schemes to appeal to weight loss drug users. In grocery stores across the U.S., more and more products are being labeled as “GLP-1 friendly,” especially if the items are high in protein. However, these labels are unregulated, which means patients should still read ingredient lists and consult with doctors about their diets. The Associated Press.
Pace warns that people trying to lose weight can’t just eat less — they should also consider healthy food choices.
“You think you’re spending less on food. But how many people are actually changing to healthier food choices, and they’re not eating exactly the same, they’re eating less, letting the pill do all the work? I’ve seen that a lot,” she said.
Cessation of alcohol
It’s not just food – weight loss drugs have seen some users cut down on alcohol and other drinks.
Haas reported that many of his patients taking GLP-1s “resulted in reduced cravings and less alcohol consumption.” This means they are spending less on alcohol when they go out.
Financial analysts have observed a similar trend. According to a March 2025 survey by EY-Parthenon, about 44 percent of GLP-1 users drink less after starting the drug, and 82 percent maintain those habits after stopping.
Alcohol stocks fell last summer, and the increased use of GLP-1 may have contributed to this decline in sales, according to Forbes. Brown-Forman, the maker of Jack Daniel’s whiskey, has warned that the industry is facing pressure from factors including weight-loss drugs and lower demand from young adults.
Patients who use weight-loss drugs may also drink less because of a new focus on their health.
“You also get a secondary effect of people saying, ‘Hey, I’m making this investment in my health, I should be making smarter health decisions elsewhere in my life,'” Haas explained.
Patients using weight-loss drugs may also be drinking less because of their renewed focus on health (Getty Images)
GLP-1 users also report less consumption of other beverages, including coffee and soda. That could mean trouble for major beverage makers — but some industry leaders aren’t worried, according to Food Dive.
Coca-Cola CFO John Murphy said the popular soda brand is already “well-positioned to provide choice and to provide options for people’s respective motivations and needs.” Food Dive reports.
Start of flight
The growing popularity of GLP-1s means airlines are carrying leaner passengers, thereby reducing their fuel costs, according to a recent report by Wall Street firm Jefferies.
Analysts estimate that these drugs could save top U.S. airlines up to $580 million over the next year.
“A leaner society = less fuel consumption. Airlines have a history of being cautious about aircraft weight savings, from olives (of course, of course) to paper stock,” the firm wrote in a note to clients seen by CNBC.
Fashion conscious
Weight loss drugs are proving to be a major disruptor in the fashion and beauty industries. According to a September study by Impact Analytics, sales of smaller sizes continue to grow, bucking the previous trend of growth in larger sizes.
Returns are also up — and that means fashion brands could lose revenue if they don’t adapt, the firm said.
“The growth of GLP-1s is shattering traditional demand patterns at a pace retailers have never experienced before,” wrote Prashant Agarwal, founder of Impact Analytics. “Our data shows that billions of dollars in retail margins are at risk for inventory unless brands start planning for 2027 shopping instead of 2022 shopping.”
A woman walks through a British Burberry store at a shopping mall in Beijing on January 30, 2026. (Photo by ADEK BERRY / AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)
Some US retailers are moving quickly. Avneet Singh, founder of menswear line Regent Row, told CNBC that stores already “have slightly expanded sizes on the rack.”
“You’ll see tighter size runs and more ‘online-only’ tags in the store once you hit 2XL and up,” he said.
The beauty industry is also paying attention.enjoyment Some companies have begun producing GLP-1 specific skincare products because dry and tight skin is a reported side effect of weight loss drugs.
is within the muscle
Dr. Haas has seen many patients invest in their fitness and learn what exercises are important to combine with weight loss medications.
“A lot of people talk about going to the gym to do resistance exercise training. So that’s another big change I’ve seen: People are now buying into the concept that cardio isn’t good. Because they’re hearing the importance of not losing that muscle mass,” Haas said.
Gym owners seem optimistic that GLP-1s will benefit the industry, Axios reports. According to the outlet, some companies such as Life Time are also creating fitness programs tailored to GLP-1 users.
“We know that if you’re going to be successful with GLP-1s, you’re going to learn how to exercise. You need to do some resistance exercise to maintain lean muscle, and you need to have proper dietary guidance,” said Jim Lavelle, Lifetime’s chief science officer. Axios.
