A transformative shift in dietary consumption patterns is sweeping across the United Arab Emirates, driven significantly by the increasing adoption of GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic. Renowned food industry analyst Phil Lempert, addressing attendees at Gulfood—the world’s premier food and hospitality exhibition—revealed that these pharmaceutical interventions are fundamentally altering how consumers approach nutrition and grocery shopping.
Lempert, founder of SupermarketGuru and recognized trend authority through appearances on major media platforms including The Oprah Winfrey Show, identified three powerful forces reshaping global food retail: the expanding loneliness epidemic, proliferation of GLP-1 medications, and emerging ‘no-buy’ consumer movements. His research demonstrates that UAE shoppers are making fewer retail visits while selecting higher-quality, nutritionally dense foods in reduced quantities, moving decisively away from ultra-processed alternatives.
The physiological mechanism of GLP-1 drugs, originally developed for diabetes management, produces enhanced satiety signals and reduced appetite. With Novo Nordisk’s recent introduction of an oral formulation eliminating injection barriers and reducing cost, Lempert anticipates usage rates could “double or triple in a very short timeframe,” accelerating existing consumption trends.
This pharmacological influence intersects with concerning social patterns. “Post-COVID has witnessed unprecedented increases in loneliness,” Lempert noted, observing consequent changes in shopping behavior: “More frequent trips with smaller basket sizes.” Retail innovators like American giant Kroger are responding with architectural and service modifications including communal tables, in-store cafés, and cooking demonstrations specifically designed to foster human connection.
UAE-based supermarket chain Grandiose exemplifies this dual approach, combining social engagement spaces like food preparation avenues with curated selections of premium yet affordable products. CEO Mussaab Aboud emphasized the evolving philosophy: “Food doesn’t have to be expensive and quality doesn’t have to be expensive. Consumers seek affordable excellence—products delivering sensory satisfaction and nutritional benefit without premium pricing.”
This convergence of pharmaceutical science, retail innovation, and social adaptation signals a profound reorientation of food consumption values throughout the Emirates, prioritizing wellness, quality, and community engagement over quantity and convenience.