Will GLP-1 change consumer behavior and marketing?

Hi everyone,

I'm relatively new here but I’ve learned a lot from this forum. I wanted to share a thought regarding GLP-1 agonists (like Semaglutide/Tirzepatide) and hear your opinions.

While many people are focusing on the weight loss niche itself, I've been looking at this from a slightly different angle—specifically regarding dopamine and consumer behavior.

My Observation:From what I've studied in biohacking, these drugs don't just suppress appetite. They seem to blunt the dopamine reward system. Many users report a significant loss of interest in alcohol, smoking, gambling, and even impulse shopping.

My Question for Marketers:If a large percentage of the population starts using these drugs (which seems likely, given the insurance trends), do you think this will impact businesses that rely on "impulse" or "cravings"?

For example:

• Restaurants and bars (less hedonistic consumption)
• High-dopamine entertainment
• Impulse-buy e-commerce funnels

I feel like we might see a shift in how people spend money if their dopamine cravings are chemically reduced.

Does anyone else think this is a valid concern for the future market, or am I overthinking it?

Just wanted to share my 2 cents. Thanks!

I don’t think it would lead to a collapse in spending, more likely a shift in how people spend. Businesses will always create products that meet consumer needs, and if behavior changes, strategies will simply evolve. Products and services might look different, but demand itself isn’t going anywhere.