Shocking number of Americans would rather ditch social media than GLP-1 drugs: survey

“Dry January” is getting replaced by something a lot more modern: half of Americans say taking GLP-1 medications is the next big wellness trend.

The poll of 2,000 US adults found nearly a quarter (23%) currently use GLP-1s or have used them within the past five years.

And when asked if they would rather ditch their GLP-1s or social media, over half (55%) said they would rather go without social media than the medications.

Despite GLP-1 use changing their dietary needs and habits, many recalled the foods they swear they can’t live without, even on their medications: bacon, burgers, chocolate, pasta and pizza.

Commissioned by Smoothie King and conducted by Talker Research, the study found the meteoric rise in GLP-1 use is part of the nation’s larger push for healthy living.

Smoothie King launched the research to spotlight its GLP-1 Support Menu and found that for the average American, “getting healthy” has remained a consistent priority over the past decade.

In fact, respondents reported health goals as part of their New Year’s resolutions an average of six out of the last ten years.

But getting their resolution to stick has been a challenge for many. Over half (51%) don’t find it easy to follow through on their health goals, stating their healthy habits only tend to last for 15 weeks, on average, before they start to decline.

Forty-nine percent of Americans don’t feel like they’re fully supported to reach their health goals, and 64% believe they’d have more success if they had better support.

Some of that support, according to findings, could come from getting an adequate amount of different nutrients.

Americans said they’ve changed their diets this year to focus more on protein (43%), fiber (28%) and healthy fats (28%).

In fact, protein was the top nutrient respondents said they want to increase their consumption of the most, at 21%. Others want to increase their intake of vitamin B (14%), fiber (9%) and vitamin C (8%).

“This research underscores just how central protein has become in today’s wellness routines,” said Claudia Schaefer, CMO, Smoothie King.

“With protein topping the list of nutrients Americans want to increase, we continue to innovate with options that give guests a delicious, nutritious and convenient way to get 100g of protein in one stop.”

The survey also revealed smoothies may be the easiest way for Americans to meet their needs, as four in five Americans drink smoothies — 12% on a daily basis and 19% at least once per week.

Two-thirds said they’d likely drink smoothies to supplement any nutritional needs they may be lacking. And nearly half (47%) of people who drink smoothies agree nutritional value is the most important factor to consider when deciding on the beverage.

To get their nutritional load, Americans claim the “perfect” smoothie must contain banana (52%), berries (48%), yogurt (45%), pineapple (37%), mango (32%) and peanut butter (27%).

Sixty percent of GLP-1 users believe their medications have increased how often they drink smoothies, and 90% of those users who have increased their smoothie drinking swear it’s been effective in helping them feel nourished while on the medications.

Three in four (76%) GLP-1 users also claimed smoothies have helped them get the nutrients they need in a way that’s easy to consume when their appetite has been suppressed.

“GLP-1 medications are changing how people approach nutrition, and we saw early on that consumers needed support, not restriction,” said Claudia.

“We’re focused on offering smoothies designed to help people feel nourished, energized and confident in their choices as their wellness routines evolve.”

Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Smoothie King and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Dec. 17 and Dec. 19, 2025. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.