January 24, 2026, 7:04 am | Read time: 6 minutes
It is a strange notion that a medication intended to aid weight loss could affect our cravings for certain foods. However, that’s exactly what a study has discovered: People taking GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, not only eat significantly less but also choose different foods than before.
The rapidly increasing use of GLP-1 agonists such as semaglutide or liraglutide (the active ingredients in Ozempic and Wegovy) raises a central question: How do these medications change users’ daily eating habits? A recent study by the University of Delaware and Purdue University in the United States provides answers. In a large-scale consumer survey, researchers examined the impact of GLP-1 on food preferences and calorie intake.1
Overview
What Was Studied and Why?
GLP-1 agonists—medications for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity—are now widely prescribed in the U.S. Estimates suggest that in 2024, tens of thousands of Americans began using the “weight loss injection” each week. These medications reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, and increase feelings of fullness. However, little was known about their effects beyond calorie reduction. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of Ozempic and similar drugs on calorie intake and eating behavior, particularly food selection. Four different consumer groups were surveyed, including GLP-1 users and those with no interest in using the medication. The researchers wanted to determine how the consumption of certain food groups differs and whether daily calorie intake is affected by the medication.
Researchers Conducted a Consumer Survey
The study is based on an online survey of 1,955 U.S. participants recruited in May 2024 via the Prolific platform. Based on their responses, they were grouped as follows:
- Group 1: Current GLP-1 users (495 people)
- Group 2: Former users (468 people)
- Group 3: People planning to use (492 people)
- Group 4: People with no past or planned use (500 people)
Participants provided information on calorie intake and the attractiveness of foods on a 5-point scale. They also assessed changes in their consumption across three product categories:
- Proteins (e.g., beef, plant-based alternatives)
- Beverages (e.g., sodas, water)
- Other (e.g., processed foods, grains)
To analyze differences, logistic regression models and interval regressions were used, separated by gender. This allowed the study to capture not only current eating habits but also changes over time, such as before and during the use of a GLP-1 medication.
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Consumption of Some Foods Changes, but the Desire for Them Does Not
It is unsurprising that GLP-1 users consumed significantly fewer calories. Women saved an average of 864 to 987 calories per day while using the medication, and men saved 722 to 798 calories.
How Ozempic and Wegovy Shape Eating Behavior
Particularly noteworthy was the decline in the consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, refined grains, and beef. For these products, the proportion of “less consumers” exceeded that of “more consumers” by up to 50 percentage points. It was striking that these behavioral changes occurred even though the basic “desire” for many of these foods hardly decreased according to the rating scales. At the same time, the consumption of fruits, leafy greens, and water increased.
Thus, the study not only highlights an impact on calorie intake but also a systematic change in food choices during GLP-1 use.
Significance of the Results for Users and Industry
Users of the “weight loss injection” can feel validated by the study’s results: It significantly aids in calorie reduction. However, the fact that it remains unclear why and how it influences food choices could also lead to skepticism. This discrepancy between desire and actual consumption suggests profound physiological changes due to GLP-1.
For the food industry, the results could be a turning point. If millions of people permanently buy less of certain products, new strategies are needed. Study author Brandon McFadden, a professor of food policy economics, explains changes already underway in a press release: “The stock prices of packaged food manufacturers fell, while those of pharmaceutical companies producing these medications rose.” An example of the shift, according to McFadden: Shortly after presenting his research findings to an international audience, a major packaged food manufacturer launched a “Meal-in-One” bar specifically marketed to GLP-1 users.2
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Context of the Study
The study impresses with a clearly structured design and the collection of differentiated groups. However, the evaluation of calorie data and product preferences is based on self-reports, which can lead to inaccuracies. Additionally, the study did not differentiate between various GLP-1 active ingredients (e.g., semaglutide, tirzepatide), even though their action profiles vary. Another limitation is that the results pertain to U.S. consumers—cultural differences in diet and medication access could limit transferability. Nevertheless, given its sample size and combined analysis of consumption behavior and preferences, the study provides a valuable foundation for further research. Future studies should include objective measurement data, such as from food diaries or biomarkers, to further validate the results.
Conclusion
The study provides clear evidence that GLP-1 medications like Ozempic significantly reduce calorie intake and measurably change eating behavior. While the desire for certain foods remains, their actual consumption decreases noticeably—especially for processed products, sugary drinks, and beef. This presents new perspectives and challenges for research, health counseling, and the food industry.
The German original of this article was published in April 2025.