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GLP-1 boom reshapes Australia's food industry

Australia's food industry is being forced to rethink what it puts on the menu as the rapid rise of weight-loss drugs changes how thousands of Australians eat, prompting experts to call for a new generation of foods that prioritise nutrition over portion size.

Key points:

• Experts to call for a new generation of foods that prioritise nutrition over portion size as weight-loss drugs change how Australians eat
• The shift represents one of the biggest changes to Australian eating habits

Speaking at the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST26) Convention, ACU food and nutrition scientist Emma Beckett said manufacturers now needed to rethink the nutritional value of every mouthful.

Nearly 500,000 Australians use GLP-1 medicines such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro each month, with forecasts suggesting more than 2.4 million people living with obesity could be using the drugs by 2030.

Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, the medicines mimic naturally occurring gut hormones that regulate appetite, slow stomach emptying and increase feelings of fullness, leading many people to eat significantly less.

Dr Beckett said the shift represented one of the biggest changes to Australian eating habits in decades.

She said overseas food manufacturers have already begun responding by launching protein-rich frozen meals, smoothies, meal replacements and restaurant dishes tailored to people using GLP-1 medicines. Many contain 20 to 30 grams of protein, added fibre and essential nutrients in smaller, portion-controlled serves.

Dr Beckett said the shift has created an opportunity to develop foods that deliver better nutrition, enjoyment and convenience in smaller serves.

"It means thinking about nutrient density rather than simply energy density," she said.

“That could include foods richer in high-quality protein, fibre and essential micronutrients, alongside resealable packaging and products designed to be eaten gradually without compromising quality or increasing waste.”

These innovations could benefit not only people using GLP-1 medicines, but also older Australians, people managing their weight through other approaches and anyone seeking a more nutrient-dense diet.

Media Contact: Elisabeth Tarica, Australian Catholic University on 0418 756 941 or elisabeth.tarica@acu.edu.au