Restaurant defends decision to offer ‘Ozempic portions’

A handful of New York City-based restaurants are handing out ‘Ozempic portions’ to diners, as over 7.2 million Americans are using the weight-loss drug or similar in 2025 according to Yale University.

Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, was initially approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 to help treat type 2 diabetes in adults.

Developed by Novo Nordisk, the injectable was not designed for weight loss, but celebrities such as Rebel Wilson, Jeremy Clarkson and Amy Schumer have opened up about taking it to help shed the pounds and maintain a healthy weight.

Last year, it was reported by CNN that one in eight adults in the US had used a GLP-1 drug such as Ozempic or Mounjaro at some point in their life, with common side effects being loss of appetite, nausea and sometimes constipation.

Tucci, a modern Italian restaurant in NoHo, is taking US citizens’ dwindling appetites in their stride by listing ‘Ozempic portions’ for sale on its food menus.

Ozempic users may be changing the way New York City diners operate (Getty Stock Images)

These smaller plates include a singular, caviar-topped arancini ball for $12 (£8.82) and one meatball for $10 (£7.35).

Defending his institution’s decision to serve minuscule morsels, Tucci’s owner Max Tucci told The New York Post that some of his customers are ‘not shy saying they’re on Ozempic’.

“If more people are going through this and they’re experiencing this, and their appetites are suppressed, then let’s offer them something sweet and simple,” he explained.

“We’re always evolving. We’re always learning. If this is going to become a food trend and we’re making money off of it too, then it’s worth doing.”

Some eateries are putting on smaller plates to appease smaller appetites (Getty Stock Images)

Interestingly, Tucci's isn’t the only place going all-in on tiny portions in New York City, with chain beer-and-burger joint Clinton Hall also joining the movement.

Their recently-introduced Teeny Weeny Mini Meal - featuring two 1-ounce beef patties and baby buns - is a playful way to ‘serve bold flavour in portions that reflect more and more adults’ shrinking appetites’, according to culinary marketing director Gregory Mecane.

Meanwhile, l’abeille, situated in the Tribeca corner of New York, has recently decided to favour a three-course menu over its beloved five-dish extravaganza, as per The Post.

Howard Chang, who owns the Japanese-French restaurant, said that he noticed people were ‘eating less’, perhaps due to weight-loss drugs, the publication reported.

If diners who are injecting Ozempic want smaller portions from the main menu, then the Michelin-starred restaurant is happy to provide, too.

What are common Ozempic side effects?

Ozempic isn't available as a weight-loss drug in the UK (Getty Stock Image)

As well as a loss of appetite, those injecting themselves with Ozempic may face a multitude of side effects.

These include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, as well as stomach pain and constipation, as per Web MD experts.

Some users who are allergic to Ozempic may also experience dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting, as well as swollen lymph nodes, a racing heart, and even joint pain.

If you experience any of these symptoms, then it’s advised that you stop taking the drug and seek medical help.

Can you get Ozempic in the UK?

Ozempic is a prescription-only medication which is currently unavailable as a weight-loss treatment in the UK.

Other injectable drugs which are authorised for use include Wegovy and Mounjaro.

People over the age of 18 living in the UK with obesity and weight-related health issues will be able to access Mounjaro on the NHS.