Five things you need to know about how weight loss drugs are affecting farmers

The rise of popular medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro is changing more than just waistlines. These drugs, originally designed to treat diabetes but now widely prescribed for weight loss, are reshaping how people eat—and that shift is sending ripple effects throughout the food industry. One surprising group feeling the impact is farmers, especially those who grow staple foods like potatoes. Mounjaro and Ozempic, used for weight loss, are influencing the broader economy. Below are five things to know about the link between weight loss drugs and local farmers.

1. Appetite suppression is reducing overall food demand – One of the biggest reasons farmers are feeling the impact is simple: people are eating less. Medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro work by suppressing appetite and helping individuals feel full faster. As a result, consumers are buying fewer calories overall. This change may sound small on an individual level, but when millions of people adjust their eating habits, the effect becomes massive. Lower food consumption leads to reduced grocery purchases and fewer restaurant visits, which ultimately trickles down to farmers who supply those foods.
2. Farmers are facing massive food surpluses – With demand dropping, farmers are now dealing with excess inventory. In the United Kingdom, for example, one farmer reported having around 1.3 million pounds of potatoes at risk of going unsold. Potatoes, which are a staple in many diets, have been particularly affected. As fewer people crave heavy or carb-rich meals, large quantities of harvested crops are sitting in storage with no buyers. This creates a difficult situation, as fresh produce has a limited shelf life and spoils quickly.
3. Changing food preferences are shifting the market – It is not just about eating less—it is also about eating differently. Many consumers using weight loss medications are opting for lighter, healthier foods. Some are choosing alternatives, such as lentil-based products, instead of traditional potato chips or fries.  This shift is forcing farmers to reconsider what they grow. If demand for certain crops continues to fall, producers may pivot toward more profitable or health-focused options in the future.
4. Restaurants and food businesses are adjusting portions – The effects extend beyond farms and into restaurants. Businesses are noticing that customers on these medications often order smaller portions or share meals. As restaurants adapt by offering smaller servings or protein-focused menus, their need for bulk ingredients like potatoes may decline. This creates a chain reaction that further reduces demand for farmers’ products.
5. Long-term agricultural planning could change – Perhaps the most significant impact is what comes next. If farmers cannot sell their crops profitably, they may reduce production or switch to different types of farming altogether. Experts warn that this could eventually lead to supply shortages in the future if too many farmers abandon certain crops. In other words, today’s surplus could become tomorrow’s shortage, depending on how the market evolves.

What This Means for You and Your Health

The growing popularity of weight loss medications highlights how closely our health choices are connected to the world around us. While these treatments can offer real benefits, they also raise important questions about nutrition, sustainability, and long-term habits.

If you are considering medications like Ozempic used for weight loss, it is critical that you take the time and knowledge to approach your health with expert guidance. That is where working with a trusted specialist like Dr. Alexander Shapsis and his team at EndoSlim Clinic of Atlantic Gastroenterology in Brooklyn, New York, makes all the difference. So take control of your health journey today! Reach out to our team today! 

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