The results showed that people started mirroring the eating habits of GLP-1 users even when they weren’t taking the medication themselves.
The rise in GLP-1 medications in the weight loss space is causing more and more people to attempt to live healthier lifestyles. The medications have made it possible for many people to manage their body weight with more control than they’ve ever been able to before. As more people successfully lose weight with these drugs, there’s a compounding effect on society. Other people see the results and become interested in managing their weight.
A new study looked into the impact this is having on couples. According to the results, when one person in a relationship begins a weight loss journey, whether by using medication or other means, their partner will also begin trying to lose weight, even if they don’t consciously make the decision to do so.
Atkins, a low-carb diet-food company, conducted the survey, which it titled the Couples Wellness and Weight Loss Mirroring Survey. About 55% of the respondents reported that they began trying to manage their body weight after a partner started to do so as well.
Interesting, the survey also showed that more than half of the people taking GLP-1s reported that their partners also lost weight, even without taking the medication. It is important to note, however, that taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss has allowed many people to reduce their body fat when they haven’t been able to before. It’s unclear, according to Atkins’ statement, what the overall health of the non-medication taking partners was prior to mirroring their partners eating habits.
In a press release, senior vice president and general manager of Atkins Ryan Thomas said, “This research underscores how deeply connected our wellness journeys are to our relationships, sometimes without us even realizing it. When one partner focuses on health, we can clearly see the ripple effect that benefits both individuals. For those looking to jumpstart or maintain their journey, Atkins is here to help with our array of high protein, low carb lifestyle recipes and products that make weight management easy and delicious."
Atkins commissioned the survey in May 2025 and included 1032 adults from the US. Of the respondents, at least one had to be attempting to lose weight. Independent research firm Reputation Leaders actually conducted the questionnaire, which asked questions directly related to the use of GLP-1 medications and other methods of weight loss.
The results also showed:
In order to promote the results of the survey, Atkins worked with reality TV couple Sean and Catherine Lowe.
"After more than 10 years of marriage, we know how easily couples pick up each other's wellness behaviors – from pregnancy weight gain to holiday indulging," said Catherine Lowe. "That's why we lean on each other and Atkins to keep healthy habits going. When one of us makes a positive change, it naturally inspires the other – and Atkins' high protein, low-carb offerings make it so much easier to stay on track together."
"We're excited to partner with Akins because their products naturally fit with how we live," said Sean Lowe. "Having tasty, high-protein, low-carb snacks and recipes on hand help us make better choices without feeling like we're sacrificing anything – and supporting each other along the way keeps us motivated!"
