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The use of weight-loss injections is reshaping not only how individuals approach their health but also how they manage their spending habits. Recent research from University College London reveals that around 1.6 million people in the UK used these weight-loss jabs in 2024, with many more interested in trying them. The privately paid treatments can cost over £300 per month. As their popularity continues to grow, businesses are increasingly responding to the changing consumption patterns of this emerging consumer group.
One noticeable impact is evident in grocery shopping habits. Weight-loss injections function by replicating the natural hormone GLP-1, which suppresses hunger, leading users to eat less. Sam Gillson, 38, from Shropshire, shared with BBC Your Voice how he has lost more than four stone since June after starting these injections. He notes, “My weekly food shop’s really gone down,” and that he is now purchasing more fresh foods while cutting back on ready meals and processed options like pizza and chips. This shift has prompted supermarkets such as The Co-op, Morrisons, Marks and Spencer, and Ocado to introduce smaller portion sizes and more nutrient-dense meal options. Jonny Forsyth, a food and drink strategist at Mintel, explains that GLP-1 drugs are amplifying existing health trends and “changing the culture,” particularly among younger consumers.
Eating habits outside the home are also shifting. According to a 2024 survey by consultancy KAM Insight, nearly one-third of GLP-1 drug users reported dining out and drinking less frequently. Annie Haslam, 70, from Cornwall, has been on weight-loss injections since March and spends about £186 each month on them. She reflects on her changing lifestyle: “Instead of having takeaways once or twice a month, I haven’t had one for months. I used to eat out at a restaurant once a week maybe, I don’t do that any more.” Sam also mentions cutting back on takeaways but notes the injections’ costs offset any savings on food. Industry leaders have recognized this trend; for example, Greggs’ CEO highlighted the growing demand for smaller portions attributable to these drugs, while fine dining establishments like The Fat Duck have adapted menus to accommodate customers who want to eat more mindfully, including those using appetite suppressants.
Consumption patterns extend beyond food, influencing alcohol intake and fashion choices as well. A study in early 2025 by Worldpanel by Numerator observed a 15-percentage point reduction in alcohol purchases among households with GLP-1 users. Nicole Tallant, food trading director at The Co-op, confirmed that customers on these drugs are “reducing their alcohol intake alongside their consumption intake from food” as they focus on overall wellness. The trend toward sobriety is reinforced by a rise in non-alcoholic drink options available in stores and bars. Meanwhile, rapid weight loss is prompting significant wardrobe changes. Annie Haslam, who dropped from size 18 to 12, estimates spending thousands replacing her clothes. Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, sees a substantial boost for the fashion industry driven by these changes, anticipating growth especially in second-hand clothing platforms. Simone Konu-Rae, a fashion communication expert, notes that people who have lost weight may develop new confidence that encourages them to explore fashion differently than before.
The sectors of beauty, health, and fitness are also feeling the effects. Data from Worldpanel by Numerator indicates increased spending on healthcare products
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