GLP-1 consumers shop convenience stores five times more than non-GLP-1 consumers, “and they really don’t change that as they take the medications,” said Sally Lyons Wyatt, global executive vice president and chief advisor, consumer goods and foodservice insights, at Chicago-based market research firm Circana.
Speaking about the use of GLP-1 to lose weight at the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Show on Tuesday in Chicago, Wyatt said, “That’s great news for this room, for this industry, that GLP-1 is not a killer of convenience.” In fact, she said, convenience is a “big friend” to GLP-1 consumers because they seek portion control, and convenience stores sell many single-serve and small-sharing-size products.
Wyatt added that GLP-1 weight-loss users skew Gen Z, higher income and those with children.
“One of the reasons why it skews here is those are the families that are having the babies, and they want to get rid of the baby fat,” she said.
However, she said, 64% of those previously using GLP-1 for weight loss said they quit the drug within six months.
“Weight-loss users tend to be on GLP-1 for a shorter time than non-weight loss users, but the duration varies by individual,” she said.
Cost concerns of GLP-1
The main reason for stopping use of GLP-1 in 2025 is the cost, she added.
“It’s not cheap,” Wyatt said.
Coming in second for reasons for stopping the drug is side effects, followed by “health goals were achieved/no longer needed the medication.”
In foodservice, Wyatt said, users of GLP-1 for weight loss lean into deli and produce more but buy liquor on par with non-users, she said.
In addition, consumers shift their spending into products considered positive for GLP-1, including protein, fiber and hydration, she said.
Top is deli prepared meat, followed by snack bars/granola bars/clusters, refrigerated lunches, refrigerated seafood, refrigerated yogurt and shelf-stable non-fruit drinks.
She added that consumers adhere to watching sugar, saturated fat and alcohol while taking the drug as demonstrated by product sales declines in these areas.
“There are some categories that see declines due to appetite suppression and/or ingredients recommended to avoid,” Wyatt said, noting saturated fats, high levels of sugar, processed meats, alcohol, spicy foods and more.
Among declines, stuffing mixes rank first in the change in monthly index during active GLP-1 use, followed by wine.
Convenience ‘relatively flat’
Regarding how outlets are affected during active GLP-1 use, “The convenience channel sees relatively flat spending [down just 0.1% from January 2023 to June 2025], with positive shifts at club and ecommerce,” Wyatt said, pointing out declines at drug, mass, dollar and food locations.
At c-stores, category shifts differ, with GLP-1 consumers continuing to consume traditional snacks—especially when they’re portion-controlled, on-the-go and aligned with dietary needs, she said.
Positive purchase shifts include fresh common fruit, shelf-stable bottled juices, frozen novelties, sports drinks, fresh tropical and specialty fruit, pastry/doughnuts, bottled water, dairy milk, ready-to-drink tea and coffee, and gum.
“One of the side effects of GLP-1 medication and the supplements is dry mouth and halitosis,” Wyatt said. “Gum helps with that.”
Negative purchase shifts include crackers, refrigerated entrees, beer/ale/alcoholic cider, cookies, snack nuts/seeds/corn nuts, chocolate candy and energy drinks.
The first three months of purchasing are worse for carbonated beverages, salty snacks and dried meat snacks, she added.
Elsewhere, diet sodas are more popular with GLP-1 users.
“GLP-1 users drink more beverages in total and prefer sugar-free alternatives,” she said.
And the largest uptick for away-from-home eating and drinking is casual dining for GLP-1 weight-loss users, Wyatt said, with midscale restaurants second, quick-serve restaurants third and convenience stores fourth.
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