For the first time, more than half (54%) of U.S. GLP-1 users take the medication primarily for weight management, surpassing use for diabetes and other health conditions.
EY-Parthenon said on Thursday that the finding comes from its third annual GLP-1 Consumer Survey of 3,602 current or former users, conducted between March and May 2026.
Users Cut Sweets and Salty Snacks
Among GLP-1 users surveyed, 63% said they eat fewer sweets and 57% fewer salty snacks, while 66% said they eat more fresh produce and 61% more protein. Also, 51% drink fewer soft drinks and 45% have reduced alcohol consumption.
"We’re seeing these medications reshape consumer behavior in tangible ways, from food and beverage choices to wellness, fitness and discretionary spending," said Katie Johnson, EY-Parthenon Americas Consumer and Health Industry Leader in the press release. Johnson added that this shift is “creating a ripple effect across the consumer products and retail landscape.”
An analysis from June noted that packaged food makers such as PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP) and Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ: KHC) face declining volume and pricing pressure across legacy snack, chocolate and sugary lines.
Don Johnson, a principal in EY-Parthenon’s consumer strategy practice, told CBS News that manufacturers and retailers are making more room on store shelves for GLP-1-specific foods, protein-enhanced items and smaller portions. "Everyone accepts that this is a structural change that’s not going away," he said.
Clothing Sizes and Brands Change
Of GLP-1 users surveyed, 72% changed clothing sizes and 46% fully or partially switched apparel brands, most commonly because of changing fit and sizing needs, the survey noted. EY-Parthenon said this creates new opportunities for retailers and apparel companies.
Access Widens as Pills and Pricing Change
EY-Parthenon projects that by 2033, 35%–40% of U.S. adults will have used a GLP-1. On availability, the oral Wegovy pill from Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) became broadly available by January 2026, and Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE:LLY) won approval for its oral Foundayo in April 2026.
Under agreements the Trump administration announced with Lilly and Novo Nordisk in 2025, Medicare patients are to pay a $50 copay for approved injectable and oral GLP-1 drugs.
Disclaimer: This content was produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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