GLP-1 Use Shifts Toward Weight Loss as Trials Target Cravings

WHO:

CBS News - EY-Parthenon conducted the consumer research; the survey included nearly 15,000 people, of whom 3,602 were current or former GLP-1 users.

CBS News - Don Johnson is a principal in EY-Parthenon’s consumer strategy practice.

CBS News - Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are GLP-1 manufacturers named in the article.

CBS News - Experts at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania are planning a study of GLP-1 drugs and risky financial decisions.

WHAT:

CBS News - About 54% of people taking semaglutide medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy use them to lose weight, exceeding the share using them for other medical reasons.

CBS News - Among GLP-1 users, 63% reported eating fewer sweet snacks and 57% reported eating fewer salty snacks.

CBS News - EY-Parthenon found that 72% of GLP-1 users sized down in clothing after rapid weight loss; about half increased spending on fitness services such as gym memberships, and 46% switched apparel brands.

CBS News - Johnson said manufacturers and retailers are making more shelf space for “GLP-1-diet-specific foods,” protein-enhanced items and smaller portions. He said, “Everyone accepts that this is a structural change that's not going away.”

CBS News - Johnson said people losing substantial weight on the drugs need to “buy differently.”

CBS News - The Wharton researchers will examine whether GLP-1s affect the body’s reward system and suppress temptations including luxury purchases, gambling and other hard-to-control activities.

WHERE:

CBS News - The planned study is at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

WHY:

CBS News - EY-Parthenon attributed broader GLP-1 use for weight loss partly to increased availability of different forms, including pills, and greater affordability, which have brought more younger, lower-income and male consumers to the drugs.

CBS News - The article says public-policy changes are also helping expand use.

HOW:

CBS News - A Trump administration agreement with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk lowered Ozempic and Wegovy costs to $150–$350 per month, from roughly $1,000 per month.

CBS News - The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program gives eligible Medicare beneficiaries access to GLP-1 drugs for $50 per month.

CBS News - Consumers taking GLP-1s were reported to favor smaller clothing sizes and more fitted clothing, swimwear and athletic wear.

Endpoints News - The article headline says large trials are examining whether GLP-1 drugs can reduce alcohol and drug cravings; the supplied article text contains no further details.

(UPDATED October 23, 2026 10:08 UTC)

GLP-1 drugs are reshaping what consumers eat and buy, as more people use them for weight loss. In an EY-Parthenon survey of nearly 15,000 people, about 54% of semaglutide users said they took the drugs to lose weight. Among GLP-1 users, 63% ate fewer sweet snacks and 57% fewer salty snacks. After losing weight, 72% sized down in clothing, about half spent more on fitness, and 46% switched apparel brands. EY-Parthenon’s Don Johnson said retailers are making room for protein-enhanced foods and smaller portions, calling the shift structural. Wider availability, including pills, and lower prices have helped bring younger, lower-income and male consumers to the drugs. A Trump administration agreement lowered monthly costs for Ozempic and Wegovy to $150 to $350, while eligible Medicare beneficiaries can pay $50 through a bridge program. Wharton researchers plan to study whether GLP-1s also affect temptations such as gambling and luxury purchases.