GLP-1s & Restaurants: Shifting Habits Won't Shrink Demand
A recent National Restaurant Association survey found that about 1 in 8 adults are currently taking some form of GLP-1 medication, and that’s expected to rise significantly due to growing affordability and expanded insurance coverage. But, that shouldn't affect their desire to dine out.
According to the survey, 29% of adults not currently using a GLP-1 said they’d consider doing so if it were more accessible and cost effective, and as many as 4 in 10 adults might eventually use one.
Though the trend may raise concerns for operators given that GLP-1 medications are known to suppress appetite, the survey pointed to a more nuanced reality: consumers taking GLP-1 medications are more engaged with restaurants than those who aren’t.
On average, GLP-1 users purchased a meal, snack, or beverage from a restaurant 7.6 times a week, compared with 5.1 times among nonusers. So, despite smaller appetites, GLP-1 users remain highly active restaurant customers