October 20, 2025

GLP-1 Medications Shift Dining Trends Across the U.S.

Orlando Florida, October 20, 2025

News Summary

Restaurants nationwide are adapting to the changing dining patterns influenced by the increased use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss, leading to smaller portions and high-protein, fiber-rich menus. Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar in Orlando is set to launch a GLP-1-friendly menu focusing on nutrient-dense options. With many customers reporting significant reductions in appetite and a preference for lighter meals, the food industry is responding by updating menu offerings to align with new consumer behaviors.

Orlando — Restaurants across the country are adjusting menus and portion sizes as a growing number of customers use GLP-1 medications, which are changing eating habits nationwide.

What happened: immediate effects on restaurants

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, initially prescribed for diabetes, are increasingly used for weight loss. Users typically consume 15-40% fewer calories due to reduced appetite, and that appetite change is altering what people order when they eat out. National trends show a large rise in use and shifting customer preferences, prompting operators to add smaller plates, higher-protein options and fiber-forward dishes.

Notable rollout and menu changes

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar in Orlando plans to debut a special GLP-1-friendly menu by the end of October, available at all four locations including Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and Washington D.C. The GLP-1-friendly menu will include five items focused on lean protein, high fiber, and 25% smaller portions, reflecting a strategy to offer lighter portions and nutrient-dense choices.

Supporting details: how restaurants are responding

Across the industry, operators are treating GLP-1-driven demand similarly to earlier shifts for gluten-free and lactose-free offerings. Some restaurants are offering smaller portions and high-protein, fiber-rich dishes specifically to appeal to people taking these medications. One operator replacing hearty sides with protein-forward alternatives linked the change directly to declining side orders in his markets.

Benjamin Berg, CEO of Berg Hospitality Group, observed a 30% drop in side dish orders across his restaurants in Texas. Other businesses are labeling products to make choices clearer for customers: Congara Brands has launched labels indicating healthier, high-protein frozen meals as “GLP-1 friendly”.

Customer behavior and survey data

Consumer surveys and usage data show meaningful shifts that affect restaurant sales. A recent survey found that 40% of GLP-1 users alter their eating habits, significantly impacting restaurant sales, and about 70% of respondents reported cooking at home more often since starting GLP-1 medications. Many users are choosing lighter meals and are less likely to order calorie-dense options such as fried foods and sugary drinks. Social media trends also reflect the change; TikTok users taking weight-loss drugs often order nutrient-dense fast food or opt for kids’ menu items.

Scope and scale of GLP-1 use

Use of GLP-1 medications has expanded rapidly. The share of Americans using GLP-1 medications has surged nearly 600% since 2019, with 10-12% reporting usage. Among specific groups, one in five women aged 50 to 64 have taken these medications. Restaurateurs and food producers are watching these nationwide shifts closely because they affect foot traffic, average check sizes and the types of dishes customers prefer.

Health context and industry concerns

Medical representatives note that the effectiveness of these drugs in improving health outcomes for obesity and diabetes is documented. A spokesman for Novo Nordisk indicated the effectiveness of the GLP-1 medication in improving health outcomes for obesity and diabetes is well-established. At the same time, some restaurateurs express concern that the popularity of GLP-1 medications may lead to decreased demand for traditional, calorie-dense menu items and some revenue pressure on full-service and quick-service operators.

What makes a GLP-1-friendly meal

Menu planners and nutrition experts identify a clear pattern for meals that satisfy people taking GLP-1 medications. The ideal GLP-1-friendly meal includes high-protein, fiber-rich foods with no added sugar; heavy, greasy foods become less appealing. As a result, restaurants are featuring lean proteins, whole grains, vegetables and smaller portions to meet customer needs while maintaining balanced nutrition.

Industry takeaway

The nationwide rise in GLP-1 medication use is reshaping dining patterns. Operators who adapt by offering smaller portions, protein-forward sides and clearer labeling may better match current customer preferences. Those who do not may face continued shifts in orders and frequency of visits.

FAQ

What are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, initially prescribed for diabetes, are increasingly used for weight loss.

How much do GLP-1 medications reduce calorie intake?

Users typically consume 15-40% fewer calories due to reduced appetite.

How common is GLP-1 medication use nationwide?

The share of Americans using GLP-1 medications has surged nearly 600% since 2019, with 10-12% reporting usage.

Are there demographic specifics for use?

One in five women aged 50 to 64 have taken these medications.

What menu change is Cuba Libre making?

What will the Cuba Libre GLP-1-friendly menu include?

The GLP-1-friendly menu will include five items focused on lean protein, high fiber, and 25% smaller portions.

How are restaurants tracking order changes?

Benjamin Berg, CEO of Berg Hospitality Group, observed a 30% drop in side dish orders across his restaurants in Texas.

Are food companies labeling products for GLP-1 users?

Congara Brands has launched labels indicating healthier, high-protein frozen meals as “GLP-1 friendly”.

How are customers changing behavior?

A recent survey found that 40% of GLP-1 users alter their eating habits, significantly impacting restaurant sales.

Are people cooking more at home after starting GLP-1 medications?

About 70% of respondents reported cooking at home more often since starting GLP-1 medications.

How are social media trends reflecting this change?

TikTok users taking weight-loss drugs often order nutrient-dense fast food or opt for kids’ menu items.

What is considered an ideal GLP-1-friendly meal?

The ideal GLP-1-friendly meal includes high-protein, fiber-rich foods with no added sugar; heavy, greasy foods become less appealing.

What has been said about health outcomes?

A spokesman for Novo Nordisk indicated the effectiveness of the GLP-1 medication in improving health outcomes for obesity and diabetes is well-established.

Key features chart

Feature	Detail
Medication examples	Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy
Typical calorie reduction	15-40% fewer calories
National usage change	The share of Americans using GLP-1 medications has surged nearly 600% since 2019, with 10-12% reporting usage
Demographic note	One in five women aged 50 to 64 have taken these medications
Restaurant example	Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar in Orlando plans to debut a special GLP-1-friendly menu by the end of October, available at all four locations including Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and Washington D.C.
Menu detail	The GLP-1-friendly menu will include five items focused on lean protein, high fiber, and 25% smaller portions
Operator observation (State-level)	Benjamin Berg, CEO of Berg Hospitality Group, observed a 30% drop in side dish orders across his restaurants in Texas
Product labeling	Congara Brands has launched labels indicating healthier, high-protein frozen meals as “GLP-1 friendly”
Survey impact	A recent survey found that 40% of GLP-1 users alter their eating habits, significantly impacting restaurant sales
Cooking at home	About 70% of respondents reported cooking at home more often since starting GLP-1 medications

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Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER

ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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