The idea of a “magic” weight loss pill was a myth peddled for decades in late-night infomercials and the pages of women’s magazines. Then, Ozempic made it a reality.
Though GLP-1 medications have been treating diabetes for two decades, they only entered public consciousness in 2017 when the first semaglutide was approved. Since then, they have rapidly shifted from diabetes therapy to mainstream weight-loss solutions—driven by celebrity endorsements, dramatic results, and soaring demand. In the process, they’re changing consumption habits and forcing entire industries to adapt.
Conflicting Figures
With 11% of Americans having tried GLP-1s and another 30% expressing interest, the demand reflects just how deeply America’s fixation on thinness runs. It’s a striking contrast to the fact that nine-in-ten Americans already believe they’re in average or better health.
Faced with this data, it becomes clear that for most people using or considering GLP-1s, weight loss takes precedence over health improvements. And yet, seven-in-ten Americans still see themselves as overweight, revealing the disconnect between health, perception, and the pursuit of thinness.
Peeling back the full weight of society’s obsession with thinness (no pun intended) would take thousands more words—and an entirely different article. So instead of diving into the sociological layers, let’s follow the data to a psychophysiological phenomenon that drives much of our eating behaviour: cravings.
Hankering for a Long-Term Solution
When it comes to food cravings, Americans are ambivalent, with most expressing some hesitation about them. In a recent Angus Reid survey, 61% of people wished they never had cravings or craved food less. Another 41% can’t stop thinking about the craving when they have one, and 38% usually feel guilty after satisfying a craving.
Nearly all participants expressed a desire for control over cravings, but didn’t necessarily want to eliminate them. As one respondent aptly put it, “If cravings didn’t exist, it’d be better, but also kinda sad.”
So many can relate.
Life After Semaglutide
It’s widely accepted that after you stop taking GLP-1s, you will probably gain some of the weight back. However, by maintaining healthy eating habits and exercising regularly, it’s possible to keep some of it off. Americans are well aware of this caveat, and our research shows they are taking it seriously.
- 96% of people plan to combine GLP-1 use with lifestyle improvements such as regular exercise and stress management.
- 72% of people who express interest in GLP-1s would combine them with dietary changes, prioritizing nutrient-rich meals.
- 84% of those taking GLP-1s report reduced consumption of processed foods.
- 80% of those taking GLP-1s have reduced their visits to quick-serve restaurants.
Will GLP-1s have long-term positive impacts on the health of Americans? The jury is still out.
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