Overview
- Format is two pages double spaced, using 12-point font and standard margins.
- It is due before the start of class, Thursday September 10th.
- Use the posted readings and any others you find as well as your own thoughts to address the topic (you do not need to include a reference list).
- Reminder that AI is not allowed.
Topic: GLP-1 Medicines and the Food System
GLP-1 receptor agonist medications (such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound) were originally developed to manage diabetes but have become widely popular for weight management. Because these medications suppress appetite and alter cravings, they are directly impacting how people shop for groceries and dine out. This creates a shifting economic landscape where food manufacturers, grocery stores, and restaurants must adapt their marketing strategies to stay profitable. In your two pages, address the following:
1. GLP-1 medications significantly cut down overall calorie intake, particularly in impulse-heavy categories like sweet bakery items, sugary drinks, and savory snacks. How should traditional snack or beverage companies adjust their marketing or product sizes to maintain profits when customers are buying fewer items overall? 2. Some brands are introducing items explicitly labeled "GLP-1 Companion" or "GLP-1 Friendly," while others simply highlight broader features like "High Protein" or "Nutrient Dense". Which marketing strategy do you think is more effective long-term, and why? 3. Fast-food and casual dining restaurants heavily rely on high-margin add-ons like side dishes, drinks, and desserts to drive revenue. If diners on these medications skip extras or order smaller portions, how can restaurants redesign their menus, pricing, or loyalty programs to keep revenues stable? 4. Reflect on your own purchasing or eating habits. When you feel less hungry or are trying to eat healthier, what influences your decision to still spend money on food or drinks? Do you think the GLP-1 movement represents a permanent shift in how the food economy works, or is it just another temporary diet trend?
Some Readings (there are many others you can search for as part of the assignment):
Rising GLP-1 Use Could Reshape U.S. Food and Beverage SpendingLinks to an external site. - Forbes
Formulating for the Evolving GLP-1 ConsumerLinks to an external site. - IFT
Big Food's Biggest Challenge: People Who Don't Want to Eat FoodLinks to an external site. - WSJ
Ozempic is Changing the Food Americans BuyLinks to an external site. - Cornell Chronicle
The Impact of GLP-1 Drugs on the American Food SystemLinks to an external site. - Michigan State University
How GLP-1 is Changing Food Formulation and What It Means for ManufacturersLinks to an external site. - TasteTech