A recent article in Supermarket News reports on a survey of consumers taking GLP-1 inhibitor drugs for weight loss. Wynshop report that almost all consumers in this category reduced grocery spending by an average of 11 percent.  Purchases of snacks, baked goods and sugar-containing drinks were curtailed but substituted with lean proteins and meal replacements presumably benefiting chicken and eggs.

Notwithstanding the trend to reduced calorie-dense foods among obese consumers prescribed GLP-1 medication, grocery sales were 3.8 percent higher during the first half of 2024 compared to the corresponding period in 2023, attaining $459 billion.  According to Supermarket News, online sales were up 2.4 percent for the first half representing 13 percent of grocery sales.

The probable impact of GLP-1 medication on the volume and value of grocery sales has been overstated given the number of consumers receiving this drug class based on high cost and intolerance.