Why GLP-1 users spend more eating out

It may sound counterintuitive, but households including at least one person on a GLP-1 weight loss drug spend more eating out, especially at fast-casual chains.

One explanation is that people on GLP-1s think about food less, said Deena Shanker, a food reporter at Bloomberg.

“So what happens? It’s six o’clock, it’s dinner time, your family is hungry and expecting to eat, and you haven’t thought about it,” Shanker said. “Just that alone, you can see pushing a lot of GLP-1 users and their families into restaurants more.”

Smart restaurant chains are learning to cater to people using GLP-1s for weight loss — around 12% of American adults — with options for smaller portions and customizable meals.

“Marketplace” host Kristin Schwab spoke with Shanker about how restaurants are adapting to the way GLP-1 users eat.

To listen to their conversation, use the audio player above