Florida-based grocery chain Publix has introduced a new brochure aimed at customers using GLP-1 weight-loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, as the popularity of these drugs continues to rise. The free guide, titled "Create a Lifestyle That Lasts," is now available at in-store pharmacy counters and is designed to help users navigate the grocery aisles with recommended foods and ingredients that support their nutrition goals.
Brochure Details and Features
The brochure provides department-by-department shopping suggestions, nutritional information, and practical tips for building a balanced grocery list. It also includes a QR code that directs shoppers to an online product page featuring protein and fiber-rich foods, which can be filtered by sales and available coupons. Publix says the page will be updated regularly with new options and promotions.
In addition to the brochure, Publix is expanding its in-store and online nutrition resources. Shoppers will notice green "Better Choice" shelf tags that highlight products offering beneficial nutrients such as fiber while limiting added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat. These labels are based on the latest nutrition research and federal dietary guidelines, according to the company. For online shoppers, the retailer has added new protein and fiber categories to its digital weekly ads, making it easier to find foods that align with common recommendations for GLP-1 medication users, which often prioritize higher protein and fiber intake.
Industry Context and Expert Opinions
About one in eight adults currently take GLP-1 medications for weight loss or to manage chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, according to a November poll by KFF, an independent health policy research organization. Nearly one in five adults have taken a GLP-1 drug at some point. As a result, food companies are increasingly marketing products as "GLP-1 friendly," including items like tortillas that are higher in fiber, lower in carbohydrates, or suited for smaller portions.
However, experts caution that the term "GLP-1 friendly" has no official regulatory definition, unlike labels such as "organic" or "heart healthy," meaning it can be used inconsistently. Some products may highlight a single positive nutrient while still containing high levels of sugar, sodium, or calories, raising concerns that the label is more of a marketing claim than a reliable indicator of nutritional quality.
Dr. Zaid Fadul, a physician and former U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, told The Independent: "A GLP-1 friendly label is good in theory, but it's bulls***. There's no real science behind it." Dr. Ethan Balk, a clinical associate professor at NYU specializing in medical nutrition for bariatric surgery and metabolic weight loss, added: "The companies are definitely hip to what we would recommend somebody to focus on eating on a GLP-1 diet, basically prioritizing protein, produce, fruits and vegetables."
Publix Vice President of Pharmacy Katie Scanlon said in a statement: "Publix continues to innovate and adapt to meet the changing needs of our customers. I am proud of our commitment to support our customers’ well-being journeys throughout the entire store."
