With weight loss drugs taking the world by storm, more people are exploring adding these medical marvels to their toolkits. Aside from the impressive results, GLP-1s seem to be increasingly easy for Americans to get their hands on,

GLP-1 weight-loss pills appear to be just as effective as injections, with clinical trials showing similar average weight loss when taken correctly.

Some of the most significant changes include what GLP-1 users eat at restaurants. Technomic data shows that one-third of users order healthier foods, while the top five menu items they avoid include fried appetizers, desserts, bread, pasta, and pizza.

According to two recent studies, GLP-1 users are spending 8% less on fast food — and restaurants are making it easier for them to order.

Some dietary supplements may help naturally boost GLP-1, but more research is needed to better understand their potential benefits. Learn more.

According to an article posted by the Yale School of Medicine in July 2024, “The first drug in a class known as GLP-1 agonists was approved in 2005 to treat diabetes. GLP-1 drugs subsequently proved their mettle to treat obesity and prevent major cardiovascular events and will likely soon be available to treat sleep apnea as well.”

I’m a dietitian, and I’ve been taking a GLP-1 for close to four years. People often ask why someone who specializes in nutrition would need this kind of medication. The truth is simple: I’ve always struggled with my weight. Even with all my training and all the weight-loss strategies at my fingertips, staying consistent felt like an uphill battle.

One of the biggest stories in the food and restaurant sector has been the growing popularity and acceptance of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. The main concern if you are in the business of selling pizzas is that surveys have consistently shown that GLP-1 users are cutting back on at-home food consumption and restaurant spending.

"Bariatric surgery and GLP-1 receptor agonist medications are currently the most effective weight-loss interventions for people with obesity, especially for those with severe obesity and comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, dyslipidemia, and CVD [cardiovascular disease]," the authors noted.