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Weight Loss Jabs Reshape Restaurant Menus
17 Jan
Summary
- Weight loss jabs are impacting restaurant sales by reducing customer appetites.
- Greggs reported customers seek smaller portions due to these drugs.
- Restaurants like Fat Duck are adapting with reduced portion menus.
The increasing use of weight loss jabs, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, is reshaping the UK's hospitality sector. Approximately 1.5 million individuals are currently using these appetite-suppressing drugs, which mimic natural hormones to regulate blood sugar and digestion. This trend has led to concerns among restaurant owners that it could negatively impact the industry's viability.
Businesses like Greggs have already observed a shift, with their boss noting a customer preference for smaller portions. A 2023 survey by Morgan Stanley indicated that patients on these drugs cut back significantly on sugary and fatty foods, reducing consumption of confectionary and baked goods by up to two-thirds. This has prompted some establishments to rethink their offerings.
In response, chefs like Heston Blumenthal launched reduced-portion menus at The Fat Duck in September, describing it as a 'mindful experience'. Leon, which is undergoing restructuring and job cuts, is also contemplating similar menu changes. The company's leadership has previously cited unsustainable tax burdens and rising costs as factors contributing to its financial challenges.
