JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —A new study released by Acosta Group ahead of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Annual Meeting reveals that consumers using GLP-1 medications for weight loss—whether currently or in the past—are creating lasting changes in food and health product purchasing behaviors.
According to the study, 76% of those who have stopped taking GLP-1s continue to eat the same amount or less than they did while on the medication, and many report sticking with healthier eating habits. Even as side effects and costs remain common reasons for discontinuing the drugs, the long-term impact on consumer behavior is clear.
“Consumers’ overall high satisfaction with these medications for weight loss has been tempered primarily by concerns about side effects, weight gain if discontinued, and cost,” said Kathy Risch, SVP of Shopper Insights and Thought Leadership at Acosta Group. “What’s most compelling is how many continue to prioritize healthier eating patterns even after stopping medication.”
Key findings from the Acosta Group GLP-1 Shopper Community study include:
- 84% of users are satisfied with weight loss results while on GLP-1s
- 90% of former users took the medication for less than a year
- 69% have been using the medication for fewer than two years and 53% expect to discontinue use in less than two more years
- 77% who had discontinued a GLP-1 medication said they were satisfied with the weight loss they experienced, but 90% were on the drug for less than one year
The study also found that 85% of those experiencing side effects—like nausea and upset stomach—purchase additional products to manage symptoms or fill nutritional gaps, such as energy drinks, vitamins, and supplements. This consumer demand is driving a shift in both in-store and online merchandising strategies.
“As a result of the study, we have identified key implications for brands and retailers regarding product prioritizations and how we can best convey product benefits to support weight loss journeys, both during and post GLP-1 therapy,” said Jami McDermid, president, CROSSMARK Sales Agency, a division of Acosta Group.
GLP-1 users are reshaping grocery lists and supplement aisles:
- 95% report healthier dietary habits.
- Key changes include more fresh produce (65%), smaller portions (55%), and more water intake (53%).
- Nutritional priorities include high-protein, vitamin-fortified foods, and gut health support.
Social media plays a central role in consumer education. Forty percent of respondents cite it as their top source of health information, rising to 61 percent among Gen Z. Retailer apps and websites are also proving valuable, with 88% of users applying filters to find products aligned with their wellness goals.
Retailers are encouraged to merchandise dietary support items near pharmacies, enhance digital shopping tools, and adapt packaging to highlight nutritional benefits clearly. The market is expected to keep growing, with nearly half of former users open to restarting GLP-1 therapy under better financial terms.
“As an industry, we have taken initial steps to meet this expanding market and consumer base,” said McDermid. “As use of this medication is extended and expanded for weight loss and other health advocacy, there is an opportunity to do much more, including product development, packaging, online and in-store merchandising, education, and promotion.”
Opportunities include:
- Merchandise dietary and nutritional support items near the pharmacy in drug and grocery stores, improving the shopping experience for consumers taking GLP-1s
- Understand that 91% of Millennials, 90% of Gen Z, and 64% of Gen X on GLP-1 medications are interested in packaged foods that support their weight loss goals, and they want messaging called out on the package
- Meet consumers where they are with product and health information, amplifying digital commerce programming
- Advance opportunities on retailer apps and websites to support these shoppers
Acosta Group’s “GLP-1 & The Weight Loss Revolution Shopper Insights Study” was conducted Feb. 10-19, 2025, with 4,489 total U.S. adults, 332 currently taking a GLP-1, and 151 no longer on the medication. Respondents are part of the company’s proprietary Shopper Community, which comprises over 40,000 demographically diverse shoppers across the U.S. and is the company’s proprietary community for survey engagement.
For more information, visit the Acosta Group website.
