Despite widespread concern that GLP-1 weight-loss medications would suppress restaurant demand, a new National Restaurant Association survey reveals the opposite: consumers taking the drugs are actually more frequent restaurant customers than those who are not.
The survey of 1,400 adults—509 of whom currently use a GLP-1 medication such as Ozempic, Wegovy or Zepbound—found that GLP-1 users purchased a meal, snack or beverage from a restaurant an average of 7.6 times in the prior week, compared with 5.1 times for non-users.
Roughly one in eight U.S. adults currently takes a GLP-1 medication, and that number is poised to grow. Twenty-nine percent of non-users said they would consider trying one if it became more affordable and accessible, which could push adoption to as many as four in 10 adults.
Shifting Habits
Nearly half of GLP-1 users said they have cut back on how often they dine out since starting the medication, but one in four reported visiting restaurants more frequently, and about three in 10 said their habits have stayed roughly the same. Gen Xers were the most likely to report reduced frequency, while Gen Z users were split between dining out more and less.
The bigger change is happening on the plate. Ninety-three percent of GLP-1 users said they have modified their ordering habits, with the most common adjustments being smaller portions (49 percent), more high-protein items (43 percent), more vegetables (41 percent), fewer sugary items (38 percent) and fewer indulgent dishes like desserts (38 percent). Twenty-eight percent of users 21 and older said they are ordering fewer alcoholic beverages.
A Loyal Customer Base
The data suggests GLP-1 users are not just sticking with restaurants but value them highly. Eighty-seven percent said they enjoy going to restaurants, and 71 percent called restaurants an essential part of their lifestyle—10 percentage points higher than the 61 percent of all adults who said the same.
More than nine in 10 GLP-1 users said they would order menu items that align with their dietary preferences, and 76 percent said they would pay a premium for such options. Off-premises opportunities also emerged: 86 percent said they would purchase take-home meal kits from a restaurant featuring ingredients tailored to their needs.
Room for Improvement
While 88 percent of GLP-1 users said restaurants typically offer healthy options, 89 percent said operators could do a better job communicating and highlighting those choices. Users also expressed strong interest in more portion-size options and the ability to order snack-sized items throughout the day.
The survey was fielded March 6-11, 2026