Americans are expected to consume 70 billion fewer calories over the next six years thanks to the rise of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.
By the end of 2030, the average American adult is expected to eat between 100 and 800 fewer calories per year thanks to the effects of hunger-relieving medications.
He reportcompiled by Impact Analytics, found that this will result in a cumulative annual reduction of approximately 10 trillion to 68 trillion calories by 2030.
These medications, originally intended to control diabetes, mimic the actions of hormones that tell the brain it is full, reducing the number of calories a person can consume and resulting in weight loss.
In response to the rapidly increasing number of adults currently taking one of these medications (an estimated 18 million people and growing), sales of healthy foods and products are increasing, while sales of junk food and fast they are falling.
An estimated six percent of American adults (about 18 million) currently take a medication that mimics that hormone that tells the brain it is full. Those drugs include Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro.
Since hitting the market in 2017, Ozempic has become one of the most sought-after recipes in the US, despite shortages. It is often used as an “off-label” treatment for obesity.
The similar drug Wegovy is a higher dose of Ozempic and, instead of first being approved to treat diabetes, it was approved as a weight loss drug in June 2021.
IN 2022, Eli Lilly introduced similar drugs called Mounjaro and Zepbound that help people lose weight.
The arrival of new medications is expected to affect the 42 percent of Americans who are obese.
An estimated 12 percent of American adults have tried one of these medications since their inception, and about six percent are currently taking them in hopes of losing up to 15 percent of their body weight.
With hormones activated that signal satiety, people taking medications eat much less food than without them, leading to smaller portions and fewer snacks.
The trillion-dollar health and wellness industries have flourished during this time as many Americans eagerly embrace healthier lifestyle choices.
In 2024, average caloric intake is projected to be around 3,600 calories per person per day, a notable increase from the 2,800 calories recorded in the 1960s. Forecasts suggest it could decline to 2,800 calories by 2030.
By 2030, there could be a significant reduction in calorie intake across the entire adult population thanks to the explosive popularity of weight-loss drugs.
But experts project that fast-food and junk-food companies will see declines in sales and profits, and food makers are increasingly concerned about the increasing impact of weight-loss drugs on their bottom lines.
According to the report, sales in healthy food categories, such as fresh and frozen vegetables, increased between five and nine percent annually between 2022 and 2024.
He Impact analysis The report notes the decline in consumption of sugary drinks, the rise of mindful eating, an increase in the use of fitness and nutrition apps, and the strong influence of social media in promoting healthy eating trends.
There has also been a wave of enthusiasm for wellness, with consumers more informed than ever about the various health risks of eating too many ultra-processed foods, as well as a growing number of private brands with low-calorie, plant-based offerings.
Demand for fresh produce has increased, with sales of fresh fruits up 12.4 percent and vegetables up 9.2 percent.
A survey by Morgan Stanley found that 73 percent of people ate less sweets, which include candy, chocolate and some baked goods.
Due to the massive shift in food consumption, the authors predict that grocery stores will have to adapt by increasing the regular supply of healthy foods and allowing more shelf space for healthy foods.
Said Impact Analytics CEO Prashant Agrawal USA TODAY: ‘We are moving away from sugary and processed foods to healthier foods.
‘LPG is one of the causes. “There’s also the fact that people are more concerned about ultra-processed foods.”
The report’s authors said: “As more people adopt healthier eating habits and use GLP-1 drugs, demand for processed and high-calorie foods is expected to decline significantly by 2030.
“Sugary snacks, carbonated soft drinks, fast food, frozen meals, consumer behavior and other high-calorie, low-nutrition products will likely see sales decline.”
Investment bank Morgan Stanley predicted the number of people who drink soda and alcohol and eat salty snacks. will fall four percent in 2035forcing manufacturers to reformulate them or risk being driven from the market.
Major players in the fast food industry, such as McDonald’s, Burger King and Yum Brands, which owns KFC and Taco Bell, could see demand drop.
Last year, the CEO of global snack company Kellanova, which owns brands such as Cheez-It, Pringles and Rice Krispies Treats, said Bloomberg: ‘Like everything that potentially impacts our business, we will analyze it, study it and, if necessary, mitigate it.’
A day later, investment firm Barclays predicted the impact the drugs’ arrival would have on companies such as Pepsi Co., which makes soft drinks, Cheetos and Doritos, McDonald’s Corp. and Altria Group Inc., the maker of cigarettes.
The firm suggested these companies purchase insurance to protect against potential financial losses, with strategists saying: “The impacts of LPG-1 potentially introduce disruptions across a number of industries.”