Weight-loss drugs are ruining the nation’s dinner parties, according to a survey of frustrated hosts.
An estimated 1.5 million Britons are now using wonder drugs such as Ozempic, Mounjaro or Wegovy. But new research suggests it is taking its toll on the nation’s traditional dinner parties – and hosts are understandably not happy.
Nearly three in ten (29 per cent) Brits who have recently thrown a soiree say they have been annoyed at having cooked a delicious meal, only for guests to push food around their plate.
A resounding six in then believe the correct etiquette is to call ahead or text, to let people know if you are taking weight-loss drugs, so hosts can amend the menu accordingly.
The survey, of 2,000 frequent dinner party hosts and attendees, found lighter options, such as a small prawn cocktail (21 per cent) melon and prosciutto (15 per cent), fish soup (13 per cent) or a small fillet steak with some simple greens (18 per cent) are the most suitable Ozempic dinner party options.
While 14 per cent of hosts say a sorbet makes a good choice of pudding, and to start, rather than filling appetisers, some crudités and dips (14 per cent)
Of those who are on the drugs, as many as 80 per cent agree, they now find the social side of eating and drinking uncomfortable.
Nearly half (47 per cent) say that they have ruined their enjoyment of dinner parties entirely.
An estimated 1.5 million Britons are now using wonder drugs such as Ozempic, Mounjaro or Wegovy (stock image)
Nearly three in ten (29 per cent) Brits who have recently thrown a soiree say they have been annoyed at having cooked a delicious meal, only for guests to push food around their plate (stock image)
Almost a quarter (22 per cent) have offended a host by being unable to eat the food they’d prepared, while one in ten have even hidden food in a napkin at someone’s house to avoid embarrassment.
And it’s not just food that’s spoiled, with 18 per cent saying that they can no longer enjoy nice wine or cocktails.
Jion Horsley, from trends and insights agency Perspectus Global, which carried out the survey, said: ‘Weight-loss drugs may be the cure for obesity that we’ve been looking for, for decades.’
‘But we’re still in the early days of their use and they will have ripple effects which we won’t be aware of yet.
‘The fact that their use can make social eating difficult is just one unforeseen effect.
‘This research proves that shared meals may become more awkward until we work past the social difficulties, adapt our menus and the etiquette surrounding the subject’.
