Bold statement first: GLP-1 drugs are changing how Canadians eat, shop, and even spend beyond the pharmacy shelves—and the shifts are bigger than you might expect. But here’s where it gets controversial: many details about who uses these medications and why they’re appealing can spark debate about cost, access, and societal expectations around weight and health.
A new Leger Healthcare survey suggests roughly three million Canadian adults are currently taking GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic or Mounjaro, with many more expressing interest but citing cost as a barrier.
Key findings show that more than half of respondents on GLP-1s report reduced appetite, and 40% say they have fewer food cravings. These changes appear to influence spending habits: around 30% are dining out less or choosing takeout less frequently.
The data also indicate behavioral shifts in food choices: about one third are purchasing more fresh fruits and vegetables and protein-rich foods. Weight loss emerges as the primary motivation for starting or considering GLP-1 therapy, followed by diabetes management. Insurance coverage and cheaper generic options are pivotal factors for more than half of those interested in trying the medications.
Leger Healthcare’s interviewees note that GLP-1s have moved from being a niche medical topic to a mainstream health and consumer issue, with observable effects in shopping patterns and daily behaviors, not just prescriptions.
Beyond eating, roughly a third of users report ordering smaller portions, opting for lighter or healthier menu items, or not finishing their meals. About 36% indicate they’ve reduced alcohol consumption. The impact extends outside groceries, with increases in spending on clothing, personal care products, beauty services, and fitness activities.
The survey also estimates another significant portion of the population—about two million Canadian adults—would like to take GLP-1 medications but aren’t currently using them.
On the flip side, barriers persist: approximately half of those interested cite cost or lack of insurance as obstacles, while another 36% would consider the drugs if side-effect risks were lower. Reported side-effects range from common gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea to rarer concerns like gallbladder inflammation and pancreatitis. Most doctors describe side-effects as generally manageable.
When asked about purposes beyond weight loss, 58% say weight loss is their main reason for pursuing GLP-1 therapy, and 42% point to diabetes management. About 22% indicate potential heart-health benefits as a motivation, with men more likely to emphasize this reason.
Regarding affordability, about a quarter of respondents on GLP-1s are paying entirely out of pocket, with both private and public insurance coverage covering the rest to varying degrees. Nearly half report partial insurance coverage.
The survey gathered responses from 1,536 Canadians aged 18 and older between February 6 and 9, 2026. Extrapolations to national figures rely on 2025 adult population data. Industry guidelines from the Canadian Research Insights Council caution that online surveys lack a formal margin of error due to non-random sampling. Leger Healthcare nonetheless estimates that a probability-based sample of similar size would yield a margin of error around ±2.5% (19 times out of 20).
What this means for the broader health landscape is nuanced: GLP-1 drugs are reshaping behavior and consumer choices in tangible ways, raising questions about access, affordability, and the cultural narratives around weight and health. Do these medications represent a legitimate medical advance, or do they risk broadening disparities if cost limits who can participate? Share your perspective in the comments: should insurance systems expand coverage, or should weight-management strategies stay within traditional medical guidance? And how do you think these shifts will influence restaurants, retail, and public health messaging in the next few years?
