The Dinner Table Transformation

At a bustling Thai restaurant in Manhattan's East Village, Michael Foote found himself in a peculiar situation—surrounded by friends who were hardly eating. While Foote devoured a feast, his companions, all on GLP-1 medications for weight loss, were only nibbling on their shared dishes.

The Weight Loss Drug Revolutionizing Dining Out

GLP-1s, a class of drugs initially developed for diabetes, have now skyrocketed in popularity for weight management. Many users report feeling less hungry, leaving them satisfied with just a few bites of food. Foote, a tall lawyer with a robust appetite, joked about the curious new dynamic: he would be polishing off the leftovers from shared entrées while his friends barely touched theirs.

Navigating New Norms at the Table

As the number of GLP-1 users rises—projected to hit 24 million by 2035—dining etiquette is evolving. Nutritionist David Wiss notes that this change presents both an opportunity and a challenge for those adapting to new social dining dynamics.

From Tasting Menus to Small Plates: A New Dining Strategy

Will Farmer, a talent agent in London, recalled a recent work event where he could barely manage a quarter of a Scotch egg. Concerned that the restaurant thought he was dissatisfied, he now opts for establishments that serve family-style meals or small plates, sidestepping the awkwardness of unfinished dishes.

Breaking the Ice with Humor

New Yorker Lauren Wire, who loves to indulge in diverse dishes, has learned to navigate these situations with humor. She often preemptively informs her dining companions about her GLP-1 usage, wanting to dispel any misconceptions about her appetite while promoting acceptance of these medications.

The Upside of Leftovers

With overordering becoming a strategic move, Wire enjoys extending her dining experience, relishing the idea of savoring her favorites over time, while her friends benefit from the shareable feast.

The Struggles of Non-Dinner Meetings

Joseph Suchodolski, a fashion consultant on Mounjaro, faces challenges during non-dinner engagements. In one instance, he and a fellow GLP-1 user ended up moving their breakfast around their plates, only to share a laugh when they realized their shared experience.

Empowerment Through GLP-1s

For some, like content creator Jackson Lemay, these medications have transformed their dining experiences for the better. After battling childhood obesity, he now confidently enjoys meals out without the guilt or anxiety that once plagued him.

Embracing the Future of Dining

As GLP-1 usage reshapes dining habits, navigating social scenarios is key for those learning to embrace their new eating patterns. It seems the social landscape of dining out is evolving, heralding a new norm where fewer bites are more than enough, and leftovers are just part of the fun.