GLP‑1 pills curb snacking less than injections
Bloomberg Intelligence’s latest survey of 1,001 U.S. adults reveals a clear difference between oral and injectable GLP‑1 weight‑loss medications. While both forms help users reduce snacking, the pill shows a smaller impact across several categories.
### Snacking habits
- **Salty snacks**: 74 % of pill users reported eating fewer salty snacks, compared with 80 % of injection users. - **Baked goods**: 76 % of pill users cut back on baked goods, versus 82 % of those on injections. - **Other treats**: Similar patterns emerged for confections, shelf‑stable foods and soups.
### Frequency of snacking
Among respondents who normally ate three snacks a day before starting a GLP‑1, 49 % of injection users reduced their snacking to once a day, while only 39 % of pill users achieved the same.
### Fruit and vegetable intake
Injection users also increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables more than pill users, according to the survey.
Implications for the food industry
Food giants such as Mondelez, Hershey, Kraft Heinz and General Mills have expressed concern that GLP‑1 users cut back most sharply on candy, baked goods and salty snacks. Bloomberg Intelligence analysts Jennifer Bartashus and Keana Bloomfield noted that the rise in pill use could soften the negative impact on product sales, as pills are easier to take and may attract a broader customer base.
Companies are already adapting. PepsiCo, for example, now offers high‑protein Doritos and Smartfood FiberPop popcorn to appeal to health‑conscious consumers. Executives also point to data showing that many GLP‑1 users revert to previous eating habits once they stop the medication.
Future outlook
The BI report projects that GLP‑1 prescriptions will grow sharply, with more than 19 % of the U.S. population expected to be on a GLP‑1 drug by 2030, up from roughly 7.5 % this year. As adoption rises, the overall impact on food sales will likely increase, though the mix of pill versus injection use may temper the severity.
What to watch
- Continued growth in GLP‑1 pill prescriptions and its effect on snack‑food demand. - New product launches from major food companies that cater to lower‑calorie, higher‑protein preferences. - Market data on whether GLP‑1 users maintain reduced consumption after discontinuing the medication.
Bottom line
GLP‑1 pills are a convenient alternative to injections but appear slightly less effective at curbing snacking. As the market for these drugs expands, snack‑food makers will need to innovate and diversify their product lines to mitigate potential sales declines.