The Grocery Shift: How Weight-Loss Meds Change Spending
Team Levity
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Jan 6, 2025
See how weight-loss medications are reshaping grocery spending, from fresh food to impulse buys, with insights on savings and generational choices.
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic are most commonly known for supporting weight loss and managing type 2 diabetes. But new data suggests their impact could stretch far beyond the scale. According to a recent survey of over 1,000 GLP-1 users, many people are noticing significant changes in their relationship with alcohol, drugs, and impulsive behaviors. These shifts hint at how GLP-1s might also support sobriety and addiction, offering hope to those pursuing broader wellness goals.
Surprisingly, a large number of GLP-1 users are reporting reduced use or total abstinence from substances like alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine.
Nearly 3 in 4 surveyed GLP-1 users said the medication has helped them cut back on substance use. Among them, Gen Z led, with 82% reporting substance use reductions, followed by millennials (73%), baby boomers (71%), and Gen X (70%). Men were slightly more likely than women to experience this effect (77% compared to 72%, respectively).
Around a third of GLP-1 users who reduced their substance use (29%) took it a step further and quit entirely. Millennials were the most likely generation to report full sobriety (33%), followed closely by Gen Z (31%). About a quarter of Gen X (24%) and baby boomers (23%) also reported stopping all substance use after starting GLP-1 medication.
The types of substances GLP-1 users quit varied, with recreational prescription drugs topping the list at 38%. Others gave up nicotine or vape products (35%), cannabis (32%), and alcohol (25%). For the majority of users who experienced fewer cravings, the change came quickly: 77% noticed the shift within the first month of starting GLP-1 medication.
GLP-1 users also described a shift in everyday behaviors, reporting fewer impulsive behaviors and healthier replacements for old habits.
Overall, 79% of GLP-1 users said they felt more in control of impulsive behaviors after starting GLP-1s. Among generations, Gen Z again stood out: 88% reported improved impulse control, compared to 80% of millennials, 77% of Gen X, and 71% of baby boomers. The impulsive behaviors Gen Z curbed the most were screen time (34%), spending (29%), and risky financial decisions like gambling (29%).
Gender differences also emerged. Women were more likely than men to report decreases in emotional eating (58% vs. 41%), while men saw greater reductions in excessive screen time (24% vs. 16%) and compulsive gaming (16% vs. 8%).
Positive behavior replacements also played a key role in reducing substance use. Gen Z users were especially likely to substitute drug and alcohol use with exercise (61%), while others turned to sleep (44%) or self-reflection practices like journaling and therapy (41%) to lessen their intake.
With diminished cravings and stronger impulse control, many GLP-1 users experienced fewer relapses, which is an encouraging sign for long-term wellness goals.
Sixty-three percent of GLP-1 users said they've had fewer alcohol or drug-related relapses since starting their medication. This trend was strongest among Gen Z, with 80% reporting fewer setbacks. Men (68%) were also more likely than women (61%) to notice this improvement. These findings suggest GLP-1s could be a helpful tool not just for weight loss, but also for those managing addictive behaviors and striving for sustained recovery.
Medical experts are beginning to explore how GLP-1 medications may influence more than just appetite. Below, clinicians and researchers share insights on the neurological, behavioral, and emotional shifts they've observed and why many believe GLP-1s could play a meaningful role in addiction treatment and recovery support.
"Given the growing body of anecdotal and clinical evidence, I would strongly support expanded research into GLP-1 receptor agonists as a therapeutic tool for addiction. These medications appear to go far beyond effects on weight loss. They may offer a meaningful reduction in cravings and relapse risk across various addictive disorders." — Dr Sophie Dix, Head of Medical Product and Content at Levity
"GLP-1s appear to modulate activity in the mesolimbic dopamine system, the same circuitry implicated in both substance addiction and compulsive overeating. By dampening the intensity of the brain's reward response, these medications may help blunt the urge to chase immediate gratification from substances like alcohol, nicotine, or stimulants." — Dr Sophie Dix, Head of Medical Product and Content at Levity
"What we're likely seeing is a neurochemical dampening of the 'reward high' that drives many compulsive behaviors. GLP-1s may not eliminate desire altogether, but they seem to weaken the reinforcing loop between anticipation and consumption, making it easier for patients to pause, reflect, and make healthier choices." — Dr Sophie Dix, Head of Medical Product and Content at Levity
"We hear all the time that our patients on GLP-1 medications have spontaneously reported drinking less, smoking less, or simply losing interest in previously compulsive behaviors. While we need more data, it's clear something significant is happening beyond just appetite suppression." — Dr Sophie Dix, Head of Medical Product and Content at Levity
"In clinical settings, we've observed that some patients describe feeling more emotionally balanced and less prone to acting on impulse after starting GLP-1s. That kind of internal regulation is exactly what we aim for in long-term addiction recovery support." — Dr Sophie Dix, Head of Medical Product and Content at Levity
Our data revealed a powerful new narrative around GLP-1 medications. They may help people do more than lose weight. They could also help them reclaim control over addictive habits and behaviors. For many users, these medications support a shift toward healthier routines, emotional balance, and greater impulse control. As science continues to explore the full potential of GLP-1s, these early findings offer hope that the path to wellness may be wider than we once thought.
We surveyed 1,022 current or recent GLP-1 users to explore how GLP-1 medications may influence habits related to substance use, impulse control, and daily routines. The generational breakdown of respondents was as follows: Gen Z (13%), millennials (42%), Gen X (34%), and baby boomers (11%). Gender breakdown was as follows: Women (67%), men (32%), and non-binary (2%). The data was collected in May 2025. Percentages in this study may not total exactly 100 due to rounding.
Levity offers personalized, doctor-led weight loss plans that include access to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Our mission is to help you not only lose weight but also improve your overall health physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether you're just starting out or looking for ongoing support, Levity's programs are built to adapt to your goals and your life.
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