Restaurant demand weakens as GLP-1 drugs reshape diets
More users report higher vegetable intake and fewer snacks.
The widespread use of weight loss drugs is changing how consumers eat, creating both opportunities and threats for QSRs, an analyst said.
Amongst Britons taking GLP-1 weight loss drugs, many have said they have increased intake of vegetables (38%), vitamins (23%), and fish or seafood (21%), a report by YouGov revealed. This suggests a shift towards more nutrient-dense foods. Some also report consuming more supplements, protein-based products and fresh, ready-made meals.
Over one in two have said they have reduced their fast food consumption. Meanwhile, 64% say they eat fewer snacks. 39% also report drinking less alcohol and fewer fizzy drinks (33%).
"The rise of GLPs is having a huge impact on the grocery and takeaway market. Whilst the number of users is relatively low at the moment, this is only going to increase in the future, creating both opportunities and threats to the wider market from QSRs to grocers. We also expect to see an impact across other sectors like leisure and retail. YouGov will continue to monitor these trends,” Ag Hoffmann, YouGov’s Lead Healthcare Director, said.
In a separate report by KPMG released last March 2025, GLP-1 users spend 61% less on takeout/delivery and 63% less on restaurants. 31% also reduced their grocery spending. This is an estimated $55b decrease in food and beverage spending.
However, this does not mean that consumers are ditching restaurants entirely. Global market research and technology firm Circana published in January 2026 reveals that GLP-1 users decrease the average number of items ordered per trip by 1%.
This aligns with a broader trend, as 35% of all restaurant consumers reported ordering smaller portion sizes in October for health-related reasons. This shift suggests that restaurants can encourage add-on purchases by offering smaller, more tailored portion options.
