Packaged food manufacturers and fast-food chains are likely to face increasing pressure to reformulate and redesign their products next year following the approval of Novo Nordisk’s appetite-suppressing Wegovy GLP-1 pill, which is expected to become available in the United States from January. Analysts believe the pill version could significantly accelerate adoption of GLP-1 weight-loss treatments, creating lasting shifts in consumer eating habits and food demand.
More Americans are expected to try GLP-1 medications in pill form rather than injections, as the oral option is anticipated to be cheaper and more appealing to patients who are uncomfortable with self-administered shots. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the Wegovy pill has already had an immediate market impact, with shares of major food companies falling after the announcement. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly’s competing oral GLP-1 drug is also expected to receive regulatory approval next year, further expanding access to these treatments.
Food companies such as Conagra Brands and Nestlé are already adjusting to changes in consumer behavior driven by the growing use of weight-loss injections. Shoppers using GLP-1 drugs tend to eat smaller portions and prioritize foods that align with reduced appetite and nutritional efficiency. Analysts warn that wider adoption of GLP-1 pills could accelerate these trends, leading to a sustained decline in demand for certain traditional food categories.
Industry experts note that consumers using GLP-1 medications are cutting back on salty snacks, sugary beverages, alcohol, and bakery items, while increasingly choosing foods high in protein and fiber. As a result, food manufacturers and restaurant operators are being pushed to innovate by developing high-protein options, reducing portion sizes, and introducing functional foods designed to suit GLP-1 users. Many companies are also adjusting packaging and labeling to highlight GLP-1-friendly attributes and are working closely with large retailers to improve product positioning.
Analysts describe the approval of the Wegovy pill as a pivotal moment for the food industry. Because the oral version offers similar weight-loss benefits at a lower cost than injections, it is expected to significantly expand the number of users. This growing consumer base is likely to reshape long-term food demand, making product reformulation, portion control, and nutrition-focused innovation essential strategies for food brands and fast-food chains aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
