A recent study suggested that consumers who use GLP-1 medications to lose weight—either currently or in the past—are creating lasting changes in their food and health product purchasing behaviors.
According to the study released by Acosta Group, 76% of those who’ve stopped taking GLP-1s continue to eat the same amount or less than they did while on the medication, and many report sticking with healthier eating habits.
Key findings from the Acosta Group GLP-1 Shopper Community study include:
- 84% of users are satisfied with weight loss results while on GLP-1s.
- 90% of former users took the meds for less than one year.
- 69% have used the medication for fewer than two years and 53% expect to discontinue use in less than two more years.
- 77% off those who had discontinued the drug said they were satisfied with the weight loss they experienced.
“What’s most compelling is how many continue to prioritize healthier eating patterns even after stopping medication,” said Kathy Risch, SVP of Shopper Insights and Thought Leadership at Acosta Group. The study also found that 85% of those who experienced side effects, such as nausea and upset stomach, purchase additional products to manage symptoms or fill nutritional gaps. Those products include vitamins, supplements, and energy drinks.
GLP-1 users seem to be reshaping their grocery lists, as well, with 95% reporting healthier dietary habits. In fact:
- Key changes include more fresh produce (65%), smaller portions (55%), and more water intake (53%).
- Nutritional priorities include high-protein, vitamin-fortified foods, and gut health support.
Your business opportunities
With more of your patients using GLP-1s, you might merchandise vitamins and supplements together. Adapt packaging or promotional signage to clearly communicate the nutritional benefits of certain products. Beef up your website and any other digital marketing tools with extra health information.
After all, this market is expected to keep growing, with nearly half of respondents who were former GLP-1 users open to restarting the drug therapy under better financial terms.
A Member-Owned Company Serving Independent Pharmacies
PBA Health is dedicated to helping independent pharmacies reach their full potential on the buy-side of their business. Founded and run by pharmacists, PBA Health serves independent pharmacies with group purchasing services, wholesaler contract negotiations, proprietary purchasing tools, and more.
An HDA member, PBA Health operates its own NABP-accredited warehouse with more than 6,000 SKUs, including brands, generics, narcotics CII-CV, cold-storage products, and over-the-counter (OTC) products — offering the lowest prices in the secondary market.
