NEW YORK – Consumption of sweet and salty snacks has taken a hit as Americans’ use of GLP-1 appetite-suppressing drugs has nearly tripled in the past two years, new research from consultancy EY-Parthenon has found.
Twenty-one percent of US adults have tried GLP-1, up from 8% in 2024, according to the EY-Parthenon GLP-1 Consumer Impact Report, released October 22. The growth reflects the increasing use of drugs for weight loss. The study shows that, for the first time, more than half (54%) of US GLP-1 users take the drug primarily for weight management, beyond its use for diabetes and other health conditions. EY-Parthenon said the study included 14,883 survey respondents from the general population and 3,602 current or former users of GLP-1.
The growing adoption of GLP-1 for weight control is changing the eating habits of US consumers, as those who take the drug choose offerings that focus on nutrition over comfort items, the study said. Almost two-thirds (63%) of users say they are eating fewer sugary snacks, and more than half (57%) have cut back on salty snacks. On the contrary, users indicate that they are eating fresh produce (66%) and protein (61%).
Additionally, GLP-1 users have changed their approach to beverages. More than half of users (51%) say they drink fewer beverages, and 44% report drinking more functional beverages. At the same time, 45% said they had reduced their alcohol consumption, while 40% had stopped drinking alcohol.
EY-Parthenon notes that these changes often exceed those using GLP-1. Since 94% of surveyed users are primary grocery shoppers, they influence household meal planning, cooking habits and grocery purchasing decisions.
“As affordability, access and awareness continue to increase, GLP-1 is changing the way consumers live, shop and spend,” said Katie Johnson, Americas consumer and healthcare industry leader for New York-based EY-Parthenon. “We see these drugs reshaping consumer behavior in real ways, from food and beverage choices to health, fitness and discretionary spending. This shift is creating a ripple effect across the consumer product and retail landscape.”
That even includes the clothing category, with EY-Parthenon research finding that weight loss driven by GLP-1 results in a “wardrobe reset” for most users. Of the GLP-1 participants surveyed, 72% said they changed clothing sizes, and 46% reported changing clothing brands completely or partially, primarily due to fit and sizing needs. Consumers also said they are buying sportswear, fitted tops and swimwear that they previously avoided.
“With nearly three-quarters of users reporting new clothing sizes and nearly half switching clothing brands, this shift creates meaningful implications for merchandising, inventory planning and customer acquisition,” said Will Auchincloss, Americas retail sector leader for EY-Parthenon. “Retailers who recognize these changes early have the opportunity to build deeper relationships with consumers during significant lifestyle changes.”
By 2033, 35% to 40% of US adults will use CLP-1 drugs, despite concerns about side effects and insurance coverage remaining, the EY-Parthenon study projected. The report notes that brands should not take a “one-size-fits-all approach”, as adoption and behavioral changes may vary among GLP-1 users.
“As adoption continues to grow, brands need to understand where demand is evolving, where consumers are shifting their spending and how to shift their portfolios to stay relevant in a health-focused consumer environment,” said Don Johnson, head of strategy and execution for EY-Parthenon, Ernst & Young LLP. “The best companies see GLP-1 as a structural change in consumer behavior that will impact innovation, portfolio strategy and investment decisions.”