Most GLP-1 Users Now Take Them for Weight Loss, and Their Carts Are Changing, EY Survey Says
An EY-Parthenon survey says 54% of US GLP-1 users now take the drugs mainly for weight loss, and most report fewer snacks and sodas and more protein.
The GLP-1 cart
If the snack aisle feels like it’s turning into the protein aisle, this survey is one reason why.
EY-Parthenon asked GLP-1 users what they’re buying now.
What users said
Per EY-Parthenon’s GLP-1 Consumer Impact Report, released October 22:
- 63% eat fewer sweet snacks and 57% eat fewer salty snacks
- 66% eat more fresh produce and 61% eat more protein
- 51% drink fewer soft drinks and 44% drink more functional beverages
- 45% have cut back on alcohol and 40% have stopped
- 72% changed clothing sizes and 46% fully or partially switched apparel brands
- 94% of users surveyed are their household’s primary grocery shopper
EY projects that 35% to 40% of US adults will have used a GLP-1 by 2033. Food Business News, reading the report, said 21% of US adults have tried one, up from 8% in 2024.
Self-reported shopping habits, not a verdict on the drugs.The WellWham perspective
How the survey worked
This is EY-Parthenon’s third annual GLP-1 consumer survey. It ran from March to May 2026 with 14,883 general-population respondents and 3,602 current or former GLP-1 users, per EY.
“We are finding that manufacturers and retailers are making more room on store shelves for GLP-1-diet-specific foods, or protein-enhanced items, and smaller portion sizes,” Don Johnson, a principal at EY-Parthenon, told CBS News.
Our read: the protein aisle has a new customer
This is our analysis. The protein push across grocery stores, which we’ve been tracking, lines up with what these users say they’re doing. Smaller portions, more protein and fewer sodas are exactly what food companies are rushing to make. The survey doesn’t prove GLP-1s caused every shift, but it shows why brands are betting on them.
The reality check
These are self-reported answers, and people don’t always do what they say they do. EY-Parthenon sells strategy advice to consumer and retail companies. The survey is about shopping habits, not how well GLP-1 drugs work or whether they’re right for you. That’s a conversation for your doctor.
The close
Fewer chips, more protein, according to the people taking them.
The shelves are already rearranging around them.
Sources
- EY-Parthenon GLP-1 Consumer Impact Report press release via PR Newswire, October 22, 2026: prnewswire.com
- Russell Redman, “Snack consumption squeezed by surging GLP-1 adoption,” Food Business News, October 23, 2026: foodbusinessnews.net
- Megan Cerullo, “More people now use GLP-1s for weight loss than for other health conditions, research finds,” CBS News, October 22, 2026: cbsnews.com
Brand information: EY via PR Newswire
