Major U.S. food and beverage companies are investing millions of dollars in product reformulations and rebranding efforts as appetite-suppressing GLP-1 weight-loss drugs reshape how Americans eat, according to a recent Reuters report.
Global brands including PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, General Mills and Kraft Heinz are responding to shifting consumer behavior linked to the growing use of GLP-1 medications, which suppress appetite and are primarily prescribed for diabetes and weight loss.
According to consulting firm EY-Parthenon, dietary changes associated with GLP-1 use could reduce U.S. snack sales by as much as $12 billion over the next decade. Adoption of the drugs more than doubled in the 12 months through December, and about 20% of U.S. households now include at least one GLP-1 user, based on a PwC analysis cited by Reuters.
PwC’s review of consumer data found that GLP-1 users consume on average 40% fewer calories. Dessert consumption has dropped by 84%, alcohol use by 33%, while fresh produce intake has increased by more than 70%. Grocery baskets are shrinking, particularly in single-person households, where spending declines have reached up to 9%.
Executives say the shift appears lasting rather than temporary. Nearly three dozen non-healthcare companies have mentioned GLP-1 drugs or weight loss on earnings calls so far this year, up from 14 during the same period a year ago and just five two years earlier, Reuters reported, citing LSEG data.
“We expect GLP-1 and other anti-obesity drugs to have a lasting influence in the food and nutrition landscape,” General Mills CEO Jeffrey Harmening said at a recent industry conference, pointing to consumer movement toward smaller portions and more protein- and fiber-rich foods.
In response, companies are increasing capital expenditures and redirecting research and development toward “better-for-you” products. PepsiCo has launched reformulated snack lines with shorter ingredient lists and is removing artificial colors from brands such as Lay’s and Gatorade. Coca-Cola has expanded production of its protein-infused Fairlife milk, while General Mills has introduced higher-protein cereals. Kraft Heinz has pledged $600 million in investments this year to revive core brands, including its Oscar Mayer meats business.
Industry analysts say nearly every major food manufacturer is allocating R&D dollars to adapt to the trend, with an emphasis on portion-controlled, nutrient-dense snacks aimed particularly at younger consumers.
The rapid rise of GLP-1 drugs, however, has also prompted broader public health and ethical discussions.
Earlier reporting by Christian Daily International highlighted emerging research questioning the long-term sustainability of weight-loss outcomes associated with such medications. That coverage noted concerns about whether weight loss can be maintained after discontinuing the drugs, as well as questions about side effects, cost barriers and reliance on pharmaceutical interventions rather than holistic lifestyle changes.
For many Christian health professionals and ethicists, the debate touches on issues of stewardship of the body, the role of medical technology and the balance between personal discipline and pharmaceutical solutions.
While Reuters’ report focuses on the economic ripple effects — from declining snack sales to increased corporate investment in healthier formulations — the broader picture suggests a significant cultural shift in American eating habits. If sustained, the widespread use of GLP-1 drugs could not only reshape corporate strategy but also influence how families, churches and communities think about food, health and long-term well-being.
