Weight-loss drugs are here to shake up the consumer’s economy into every sector, including apparel, restaurants, grocery, gyms and travel. According to Ali Furman, partner in PwC, they are causing a “psychological shift”. “As their bodies change, she said, so are their decisions on how to spend their time and money.” (Furman, 2025).
In just a year, adults taking a form of weight-loss drug doubled to 12.4 percent, according to Gallup. Impacting the obesity rates, that fell from 40 percent in 2022 to 37 percent in 2025. And although some companies are responding to these changes, the expectation is that GLP-1s will play a huge role in society.
Pharmacies
The use of these drugs come with some harmful side effects like indigestion, nausea and loss of hair and muscle mass. As a result, sales for supplements and vitamin-rich beauty products have surged. Some studies suggest that the medications boost fertility, with a case study of 148% of GLP-1 users purchasing pregnancy tests.
Supplements
Electrolyte, hair-growth products and anti-nausea medication have skyrocketed among GLP-1 users. Some brands have even begun marketing new lines for these segments. Yet, some concerns have arisen since the U.S. has pretty loose standards regarding vitamins, minerals and supplements.
Grocery Stores
“With the elimination of “food noise,” which can lead to bingeing and distracting thoughts about eating, GLP-1 users are cutting back on snacks and spending more on healthy items.” (Peiser & Bai, 2025).
GLP-1 users have reduced their spending by 10 percent over 100 categories, including groceries, quick-service restaurants and tobacco. Companies have responded by acquiring health food brands, focusing on high-protein items, boosting metabolism and healthy frozen meals.
More fresh produce
GLP-1 users have reported carving a crunchy carrot and tart kiwi over a salty chip.They have increased their spending on fresh fruit by 14 percent and on vegetables by 38 percent, compared to the year before.
Nonealcholic beverages
Studies show that GLP-1 drugs can suppress alcohol cravings among heavy drinkers. Users spent 14.5 percent less in the category after starting the treatment. Meanwhile, high-protein drinks and probiotic soda brands are seeing significant growth.
Healthy snacks
Chips, baked goods and packaged cookies have fallen an average of 6.7 to 11 percent. To recover from the losses, packaged-godds brands are developing healthier food and beverage products. Such as protein-packed frozen meals. Food labs are also testing products to help with the drug’s side effects and marketing them as “GLP-1 friendly”.
Strip Malls
“Weight-loss drugs create an opportunity for clothing brands as consumers refresh their wardrobe while they shed pounds.” (Peiser & Bai, 2025). Users are gaining confidence and boosting their spending on beauty products and new clothes.
Smaller sizes
According to a recent study from Impact Analytics, sales are up for smaller sizes for men and women. Analysts say that it will probably be more difficult to find larger sizes in stores, with retailers shifting to accommodate to this new dynamic.
Formalwear and sporting goods
Formalwear sales surged by 80 percent and sporting goods 24 percent in the first six months of 2025. This change is associated with the need or desire to buy new accessories or clothing after a positive change.
Fast food and restaurants
Grocery data indicates that consumers taking GLP-1s are spending more time cooking at home instead of dining out. In the six months after starting the medications, users reduced their spending on dining out by 8.6 percent, according to Numerator and Cornell University.
Healthier options
Fast-food restaurants have seen a decline in breakfast sales due to a change in habits of GLP-1 users, especially in the late-night drive-troughs and the morning. Although, it is still unclear the effect this will have in the restaurant industry, some chains are introducing GLP-1 menu options. Exploring the idea of a snack board and smaller portions at a reduced price
Gyms
With the risk of losing muscle mass, weight-loss drug users are encouraged to exercise and strengthen. They’re also spending on items linked to an active lifestyle like wearable electronics.
Training programs
Some gyms are tailoring programs for members taking the medication. Equinos has a “GLP-1 protocol” while Planet Fitness has curated workout guides on its website.
Clinics
Some gyms are opening health clinics, creating easier access for members to get a prescription. Life Time, a health club chain, has opened clinics that include personal trainers and doctors who can prescribe the medications. (Peiser & Bai, 2025).
Travel
PwC research has observed a 15 percent increase in GLP-1 users reported having a more positive body image. With this information, analysts predict it could eventually increase spending in entertainment areas.
The travel industry could also get a boost with people feeling more comfortable on airplanes and more enthusiastic with trips involving walking and hiking. Wellness tourism is also on the rise. GLP-1 users are more open to taking active vacations than sitting by the pool or ocean.
Complications
While the drug has potential to become mainstream, there’s still a barrier to entry. The cost can reach as much as $6,000 a year, which is prohibitive for many Americans. And even though some people can qualify for insurance coverage, they have reported to battle with their insurance to get a reasonable price.
Reference
Peiser, J., & F Bai. (2025, December 1). Ozempic is changing how we spend money and time, plus what we eat. The Washigton Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/interactive/2025/ozempic-glp1-consumer-spending/