- Hershey says demand for gum and mints is rising partly because of growing use of GLP-1 weight loss drugs.
- One possible reason is that some people on drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy report bad breath, burping or nausea, even though halitosis is not listed as an official side effect.
- The link is plausible, but it is still more of a real-world observation than a settled medical finding.
First it was Ozempic butt, but now, over in America, Hershey says one unexpected group is helping drive sales of gum and mints: people taking GLP-1 weight loss drugs.
On a recent earnings call, chief executive Kirk Tanner said appetite suppressants are changing the way some consumers snack.
People may be eating less overall, but they may also be buying more products such as mints and chewing gum.
He said Hershey had seen strong demand for its gum and mint range, with Ice Breakers sales up 8% over the quarter.
The company believes part of that growth is linked to GLP-1 use.
That claim is not as odd as it first sounds.
Doctors have noted that some people taking drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy report bad breath, unpleasant burping or a fishy smell on the breath.
The phrase ‘Ozempic breath’ has started doing the rounds online, although it is not a formal medical diagnosis.
Drug makers do not list bad breath itself as an official side effect.
But they do list related problems that could help explain it.
Burping, nausea and vomiting are all recognised side effects of GLP-1 drugs, and any of those could make breath smell worse for some users.
- Experimental gut procedure may help stop weight regain after GLP-1 drugs
- GLP1 drugs commonly cause digestive side effects but may have wider benefits
- Most weight lost on GLP-1 drugs returns within a year after stopping
There are other possible explanations too.
Eating less, changes in digestion, slower stomach emptying and dehydration could all potentially affect breath quality.
That means the gum and mint trend is plausible, but still not fully pinned down.
It is also a reminder that the real-world effects of GLP-1 drugs are often broader than the trial headlines suggest.
Some change appetite, some change food choices and some may simply leave people reaching for a mint.
