Halo Impact of GLP-1s Alerts New Consumer Way of life and Well being and Wellness Traits

Gen Z and Millennial behaviors are main indicators as CPG manufacturers, retailers and eating places place for innovation

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — New Acosta Group analysis reveals that GLP-1s are reshaping a rising section of client habits total, increasing to incorporate bigger life-style, well being and wellness, and private care traits. The firm is sharing the outcomes of its new proprietary GLP-1 shopper research upfront of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Annual Meeting, April 18-21 in Palm Beach, Fla. 

“We’ve learned that consumers using a GLP-1 for weight loss are experiencing additional positive emotional and behavioral impacts, ranging from their relationships with food, to how they feel about their personal appearance, to what they want to buy and how they want to dine,” stated Kathy Risch, SVP, Thought Leadership and Shopper Insights for Acosta Group. These halo results skew larger for Gen Z and Millennial shoppers.  

“We recognize the power of this younger cohort to indicate trends across categories and channels, informing what broader consumer segments will want to see on the shelf in the near future,” stated Mark Rahiya, Group President of Omnichannel Sales and Services, together with the Acosta and CROSSMARK gross sales businesses, for Acosta Group. “We’re encouraging brands and retailers to innovate and refine new concepts before they become table stakes, positioning for growth with all wellness-focused consumers.”   

THE HALO EFFECT: FOOD AT HOME

In addition to changes made to their grocery lists, many GLP-1 shoppers report that their more healthy diets have had a optimistic affect on their whole households.

These shoppers are buying extra contemporary produce (55%), yogurt (32%), contemporary rooster (31%), protein shakes and powders (30%), and protein bars (29%). Conversely, fewer sweets (58%), salty snacks (44%), and sugary drinks (41%) are being added to in-store and on-line purchasing carts.

Key classes of curiosity amongst all GLP-1 shoppers, notably Gen Z and Millennials, embody high-protein, high-fiber, hydration/electrolyte, and intestine well being merchandise, confirming the significance of embedding protein-forward and nutrient-dense merchandise into innovation pipelines.

When utilizing a GLP-1 for weight reduction, almost all shoppers additionally report a shift of their relationship with meals. 41% say they’re happy with the more healthy modifications they’ve made, and half of those shoppers report a optimistic influence on their family’s total consuming habits, with that proportion rising to 79% for Millennials.

THE HALO EFFECT: PERSONAL WELLNESS

As said in Acosta Group’s 2026 predictions, wellness is being redefined with a give attention to focused well being options, particularly in meals, beverage and private care. Gen Z and Millennials are main this shift, outpacing the final inhabitants in prioritizing wellness attributes.

This new research reveals that the majority GLP-1 shoppers are experiencing an emotional elevate from their weight reduction associated to perceptions about their look. An spectacular 52% report they really feel extra optimistic about their look, 43% say they’re motivated to take higher care of their look, and 29% categorical they really feel extra assured in social settings.

Related to this halo impact, all shoppers – and notably youthful shoppers – usually tend to purchase magnificence and private care merchandise targeted on particular advantages: facial skincare for dryness, sensitivity and elasticity; physique take care of firming and hydration; and hair take care of thinning and texture.

“While Gen Z and Millennial GLP-1 consumers lead in their interest in these products and their attributes, Gen X consumers also express interest, reflecting a significant opportunity for innovation and growth across health and beauty for all channels,” stated Megan Rand, SVP, Client Development for Acosta Sales Agency.

THE HALO EFFECT: AWAY-FROM-HOME MENUS 

While 34% of all shoppers utilizing a GLP-1 for weight reduction report they’re eating out much less, 48% of Gen Z and Millennials are eating out extra. When eating away from residence, 48% of this youthful cohort are eating on the similar eating places however being extra conscious of what they order, and 42% say they’re extra ceaselessly sharing a primary entrée.

“The behavioral profile of a GLP-1 user closely aligns with trends that are already gaining momentum with Gen Z – smaller portions, higher protein, more fiber and greater nutrient density,” stated Betty Kaufman, Director of Strategy for San Francisco-based The Culinary Edge, a part of CORE Foodservice, an Acosta Group company.

GLP-1s, stated Kaufman, aren’t creating new preferences as a lot as accelerating and reinforcing ones which are already taking form.

Restaurants are actively establishing a brand new dietary baseline: excessive protein codecs for smaller, nutrient-dense meals; partnerships to carry scientific diet into quick informal; and the introduction of high-protein menu builds.

“These are not fringe movements, they are signals of a rising standard that Gen Z increasingly expects across both restaurant and retail environments,” says Kaufman.

SHOWING UP WHERE IT MATTERS

To assist their weight reduction journeys, 70% of all GLP-1 shoppers conduct product or well being analysis. For Gen Z and Millennials, extra of this analysis is completed on-line, through social media (57%), AI apps and web sites (41%), and retailer apps and web sites (38%), whereas additionally utilizing in-store assets. 

“Savvy brands and retailers are responding, dialing up integrated content and marketing plans to support GLP-1 messaging and education where it matters most – and we anticipate other cohorts will expand their reliance on these same digital tools,” stated John Carroll, President of Connected Commerce for Acosta Group.

Of particular word, the research displays that “GLP-1 Friendly” labeling could be polarizing for some, elevating questions on style, diet, and applicability. “As GLP-1 usage continues to grow, it will be critical for brands to deeply understand their core customers to capture the right omnichannel messaging and drive growth,” stated Carroll.  

Acosta Group’s “GLP-1: Transforming Weight Loss and Consumer Behavior,” was performed Feb. 13-25, 2026, with 2,117 whole U.S. adults and 213 present GLP-1 customers. Respondents are a part of the corporate’s proprietary Shopper Community, comprised of over 40,000 demographically various consumers throughout the U.S. and is the corporate’s proprietary neighborhood for survey engagement.     

ABOUT ACOSTA GROUP

Acosta Group is a collective of probably the most trusted retail, advertising and foodservice businesses empowering manufacturers and retailers to win within the trendy market. By delivering transformative, commerce-focused options and greater than 98 years of experience, Acosta Group connects the corporate’s companions with folks at each level within the client journey.

Comprised of Acosta, ActionLink, ADW, CORE Foodservice, CROSSMARK, Mosaic, Premium Retail Services, and Product Connections, Acosta Group understands and anticipates evolving client wants, fueling accelerated efficiency to attach tomorrow’s commerce right now. For extra info, please go to acosta.group

SOURCE Acosta Group