GLP-1 weight-loss drugs work so well because they reduce appetite \u2014 a game changer for patients, but a concerning development for restaurants.<\/p>\n
Now, some eateries are creating an \u201cOzempic<\/a> menu\u201d of smaller meals named after the blockbuster Type 2 diabetes treatment, which has become famous for its side effect of helping people lose weight.<\/p>\n The bite-size portions are meant to entice diners who are taking GLP-1 medications like Wegovy or Zepbound<\/a> \u2014 which are specifically approved for weight loss \u2014 and have similar experiences to a TikTok user who said, \u201cI took four little bites, and I can’t eat any more of my food ’cause I’m full.\u201d<\/p>\n GLP-1s mimic at least one hormone produced by the gut to signal fullness, leading people to eat less and have fewer cravings.<\/p>\n About 2% of American adults now take a GLP-1 drug to treat obesity, according to a report<\/a> released by FAIR Health in May 2025. That amounts to millions of people.<\/p>\n Besides feeling full quickly, patients are also advised to eat smaller meals and avoid certain foods<\/a> to minimize side effects like nausea and vomiting.<\/p>\n Clinton Hall, a group of burger and beer restaurants in New York City, is known for large portions, but it recently introduced a mini meal that includes a petite hamburger, a few fries and a small beer for $8 \u2014 a third of the price of a regular-size combo.<\/p>\n \u201cIt 100% is targeting the growing number of GLP-1 users. That market has definitely increased, especially over the last year and a half,\u201d Greg Mecane, marketing director for Clinton Hall told TODAY.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is catching fire. People are coming in specifically for it.\u201d<\/p>\n Smaller portions mean smaller bills, but the strategy pays off by drawing more customers in who may have shied away from eating out, the restaurant chain told NBC\u2019s Emilie Ikeda.<\/p>\n At Tucci \u2014 a fine-dining Italian restaurant in downtown Manhattan \u2014 patrons can now order the gourmet meatballs in portions of three or just one.<\/p>\n \u201cMy smaller menu I like to call the ‘Ozempic menu,\u2019\u201d owner Max Tucci said.<\/p>\n Another motivation is cutting down on food waste, he added, since up to 40% of food served in restaurants is never eaten and thrown away, according to a 2025 report<\/a> by Recycle Track Systems.<\/p>\n Surveys also show younger people in general prefer more frequent, smaller snacks rather than eat three meals a day.<\/p>\n \u201cWe found that especially in the age group of 25 to 35, that they’re still coming out, but they’re just consuming less,\u201d Mecane said.<\/p>\n All the restaurants Ikeda visited said they have plans to expand their small bite menus in the future.<\/p>\n