GLP-1s are Reshaping Food Buying Behavior, with Major Implications for the FAB Sector

GLP-1s are Reshaping Food Buying Behavior, with Major Implications for the FAB Sector
October 7, 2025 7 mins

GLP-1s are Reshaping Food Buying Behavior, with Major Implications for the FAB Sector

GLP-1s are Reshaping Food Buying Behavior, with Major Implications for the FAB Sector

The rise of GLP-1 medications is reshaping consumer behavior and employer strategies. We explore the implications for the food, agribusiness and beverage (FAB) sector — through the lens of industry-wide transformation and workforce wellbeing underpinned by a strategic, data-driven approach.

Key Takeaways
  1. Sections of the FAB industry will need to rethink their focus in light of changing consumer demand, with the potential for double-digit revenue falls in certain product lines.
  2. The prevalence of GLP-1 treatments is already impacting share price, M&A and product focus in the FAB sector.
  3. FAB companies are rethinking employee health and benefits offerings and evaluating if GLP-1s fit into broader strategies to improve employee health.

What are the Implications of GLP-1s for FAB Industry Strategies? 

The rising demand in GLP-1 treatments is beginning to transform industries far beyond healthcare. For the FAB sector, this includes signs of shifting consumer behavior — such as reduced demand for high-calorie, processed foods and alcohol, as health and weight management become increasingly prioritized. 

These evolving preferences are prompting FAB companies to not only reassess consumer purchasing trends but also reflect on their broader role in advancing population health and responding to the workforce imperative.

Adapting Products to Meet Health Demand

Food companies must respond to emerging health trends to stay competitive and meet evolving demand. Many will adjust product lines to cater to a more health-conscious consumer base, which could involve reformulating products, introducing healthier options and investing in updated marketing strategies.

Several leading brands are already reacting, promoting vitamins and protein-rich foods to support those using GLP-1s. Others are marketing smaller portion sizes of existing product lines.

GLP-1s: Driving Changes in Buying Behavior

  • 5.3% reduction in grocery spend1 
  • 8% reduction in fast food, coffee chain and limited-service restaurant spend2
  • 10.1% reduction in savory snack spend3
  • Up to 40% reduction in alcohol spend4

In 2024, a leading consumer packaged goods company launched its first major U.S. brand in nearly three decades for consumers who were focused on weight management. Other food and beverage companies are following suit and adapting their product ranges.5

Consumer packaged goods companies — specifically those focused on alcohol, ultra-processed foods and tobacco — are likely to be most affected by the increase in consumers using these treatments. Whereas fresh foods and dairy products may see a slight increase in preference.

Shifting Consumer Demands Driving M&A 

Aon data revealed that product innovation is largely driven by consumer-packaged goods companies. Several acquisitions and divestitures have also been driven by considerations to adapt to changing consumer demand, with GLP-1s emerging as a key influence in M&A strategy.

For example, a leading global food and beverage company reported a 4.2 percent volume increase in Q4 2024, particularly in high-protein categories, coffee and water. This was influenced by strong momentum in North America.6

At the same time, an 8 percent decline in spending at fast-food chains, coffee shops and limited-service restaurants has also been observed.7 Changes like these may trigger a rethink in business portfolios and product ranges. In fact, we have seen food and beverage deals — particularly those involving high-calorie products — where the rise of GLP-1 medications has influenced discussions, especially around forecasting and long-term market impact.

Impact on FAB Share Prices 

Fast-food company share prices have occasionally declined in response to market concerns or news about promising new rounds of test results for these treatments.8

Quote icon

The significant global uptake of GLP-1s is forcing a rethink within the sector. From portion sizes and labeling to product selection, firms will be forced to reshape their strategy and operations as a more health-conscious consumer base emerges.

Ciara Jackson
Global Food, Agribusiness and Beverage Leader, Enterprise Client Group

What Are the Implications of GLP-1s on FAB Workforce Strategies?

Obesity is a chronic, progressive disease and rates are on the rise worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 43 percent of adults are overweight and 16 percent are obese.9 Globally, the market for GLP-1s reached $50 billion in 2024, with projections to more than double by 203010 — and already millions of Americans are prescribed the treatment. 

In the FAB sector, where physical labor and safety-sensitive roles are common, obesity poses direct operational risks.

Employers in this sector are uniquely positioned to intervene with evidence-based solutions that treat obesity as the medical condition it is.

Bending the Healthcare Cost Curve 

As medical trend rates continue to rise globally, obesity management has become a critical lever for improving population health and controlling long-term healthcare costs. Employers play a pivotal role in addressing this challenge — whether through lifestyle programs, clinical interventions or, where appropriate, access to GLP-1 medications for weight loss.

For organizations where GLP-1 coverage aligns with workforce needs, organizational goals and affordability thresholds, Aon’s multi-year analysis shows compelling financial impact: GLP-1 users experienced a 7% improvement in medical spend growth in year two (excluding drug costs), along with a 44% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events and greater than 20% reductions in hospitalizations for respiratory and substance use conditions.11

However, GLP-1s alone are not a strategy — they must be embedded within a broader obesity management framework that includes employer support through benefit design, clinical partnerships, behavioral programs and data-driven governance to ensure long-term adherence and meaningful health outcomes.

While GLP-1 coverage for weight loss are not the right fit for every organization, the broader imperative remains: investing in obesity management is essential to improving workforce health wellbeing and bending the healthcare cost curve.

Key GLP-1 Workforce and Risk Considerations for FAB Organizations

For FAB organizations, the rise in GLP-1 therapies is presenting multifaceted risk and opportunities. Here are a few questions to help guide your discussions:

  • Is your organization prepared to address obesity as a workforce health priority beyond just GLP-1 access? 
  • Are you considering weight related GLP-1 coverage for employees?
  • How will GLP-1 coverage factor into your insurance renewal and risk financing conversations?
  • How will your M&A and divestiture strategy be impacted by GLP-1s?
  • Will decisions regarding GLP-1s impact the reputation of your organization?
  • How do you leverage both your own and third-party analytics to optimize decisions?
  • Have you considered the potential for long-tail liability risk, given the long-term impact of this medication for the non-diabetic population is still relatively unknown?
  • Does your organization need to revise actuarial valuations of pension funds?

“The increasing popularity of GLP-1 treatments for obesity is reshaping consumer behavior, presenting both risks and opportunities for the FAB industry,” says Meaghan Piscitelli, Global Life Sciences Leader, Enterprise Client Group. “Businesses across the value chain must remain agile and responsive to evolving trends to maintain competitiveness and meet changing consumer demands.”

For some FAB companies, increasing coverage or access to GLP-1s may offer a targeted opportunity to support workforce health and productivity - but any potential gains must be weighed against rising healthcare costs and organizational fit. These treatments are not a standalone solution, reinforcing the need for a broader, employer-supported obesity management strategy tailored to each workforce.

For a workforce-focused analysis on GLP-1s, download Aon’s recent report. You can also connect with our team of advisors to discuss the impact of GLP-1s on the FAB sector.

Aon’s Thought Leaders
  • Ciara Jackson
    Global Food, Agribusiness and Beverage Leader, Enterprise Client Group
  • Meaghan Piscitelli
    Global Life Sciences Leader
  • Maja Pertot Bernard
    Program Lead, Global Industry, Enterprise Client Group

1 The No-Hunger Games: How GLP-1 Medication Adoption is Changing Consumer Food Demand, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
2 Ibid
3 Ibid
4 Weight-loss jabs may help reduce alcohol intake, study finds. The Guardian
5 1 in 8 People in the U.S. Has Taken a GLP-1 Drug and Food Brands Are Taking Notice, Food & Wine
6 Strong FY 2024 Results – Entering the next chapter of Renew with confidence, Danone
7 The No-Hunger Games: How GLP-1 Medication Adoption is Changing Consumer Food Demand, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
8 How weight-loss wonder drugs are redefining the way our bodies work, The Guardian
9 Obesity and overweight, World Health Organization
10 Global PLP-1 Market Research Report, InsightAce Analytic
11 The Global Medical Trend Rates Report 2025, Aon

General Disclaimer

This document is not intended to address any specific situation or to provide legal, regulatory, financial, or other advice. While care has been taken in the production of this document, Aon does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of the document or any part of it and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. Any recipient shall be responsible for the use to which it puts this document. This document has been compiled using information available to us up to its date of publication and is subject to any qualifications made in the document.

Terms of Use

The contents herein may not be reproduced, reused, reprinted or redistributed without the expressed written consent of Aon, unless otherwise authorized by Aon. To use information contained herein, please write to our team.

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