Drinking Differently: How GLP-1 medications impact alcohol consumption

Overview
GLP-1 medications (commonly used for weight loss and diabetes management) are becoming increasingly common in the UK, with emerging evidence suggesting they may influence alcohol consumption.

Drawing on joint research with KAM, this report explores how GLP-1 use is shaping alcohol consumption, spending patterns and social drinking norms, particularly within hospitality settings and what this means for opportunities to support moderation.

Key findings

• Around 10% of UK adults – equivalent to approximately 5.5 million people – report using GLP-1 medications (up from 7% in August 2025), while awareness of these drugs has doubled in the past six months (from 30% to 60%).
• Many GLP-1 users report consciously moderating their alcohol intake, including drinking less frequently and consuming smaller quantities. This appears to be driven primarily by intentional health and wellbeing decisions rather than side effects alone.
• There are signs of a wider social effect. Some non-users report that their own choices are influenced when socialising with someone using GLP-1 medication, including drinking less alcohol or choosing alcohol-free or lower-strength options.
• While many users report receiving some guidance on alcohol, this is not always consistent or prominent, suggesting an opportunity to provide clearer, more accessible information.

Why it matters
As GLP‑1 medications become more widespread, they may accelerate a broader cultural shift towards moderation. The hospitality and drinks sector can play an important role in supporting and responding to this shift by making moderation easier through innovation. For example, expanding alcohol-free and low-alcohol options, offering smaller serve sizes as standard, and increasing the availability of lower-strength products across categories.

These changes would not only cater to people using GLP-1 medications, but could also help to normalise and promote moderation among a much wider group of people who are, or would benefit from, drinking less.