Atlanta, United States – New evidence presented at an international scientific forum indicates that medicines based on GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), widely used for weight management, may be associated with changes in household consumption patterns beyond food intake. During ObesityWeek, held in the United States of America, pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk disclosed results from an analysis of real-world purchasing data covering more than 200,000 households.

According to the analysis, households in which at least one individual used a Novo Nordisk GLP-1 RA for weight control demonstrated a consistent year-on-year reduction in overall spending when compared with households that did not use similar medications. The most notable decreases were observed in purchases of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, including cigarettes.

Researchers examined household expenditure data over two consecutive 12-month periods, drawing on information collected between April 2024 and April 2025. The data were obtained through regular consumer surveys in which participants recorded shopping receipts and provided details on household characteristics, medication use and lifestyle habits. The findings suggest a possible association between GLP-1 RA use and reduced consumption of alcohol and tobacco at the household level, although the authors emphasised that the results do not establish a direct causal relationship.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are primarily prescribed to support weight loss by regulating appetite and improving glycaemic control. Scientific literature published in journals such as The New England Journal of Medicine and The Lancet has consistently shown their effectiveness in managing obesity and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications. More recently, emerging studies have explored their potential impact on reward-related behaviours, including alcohol intake and smoking, an area that remains under active investigation.

The findings are particularly relevant in the context of Indonesia, where obesity has become an increasingly significant public health concern. National health research indicates a steady rise in the number of adults living with obesity or excess abdominal fat. Current estimates suggest that approximately one in four Indonesian adults is affected by obesity or central adiposity, conditions associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke and joint disorders.

Health experts stress that obesity is not merely a cosmetic issue but a complex chronic disease with substantial implications for quality of life and household finances. The combined burden of obesity-related illnesses and lifestyle risk factors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, places additional strain on families and healthcare systems.

While the data presented in the United States offer new insights into potential secondary effects of GLP-1 RA medicines, specialists caution that further peer-reviewed research is required. Long-term clinical and behavioural studies will be essential to determine whether these observed reductions in alcohol and tobacco consumption can be replicated across different populations, including countries like Indonesia, and whether they translate into measurable public health benefits.

As global obesity rates continue to rise, the findings contribute to a broader scientific discussion on how pharmacological treatments may influence not only weight loss but also wider health-related behaviours, underscoring the importance of evidence-based approaches in tackling complex public health challenges.