Sun, 25 Jan 2026

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 Five ways weight-loss jabs are changing spending habits

With GLP-1 drugs rising in popularity, how are businesses adapting to a new type of consumer?
1.4 million people in the UK used weight-loss injections in 2024, with many more interested in trying them. The jabs mimic a natural hormone that regulates hunger, causing users to eat less and want smaller portions.
* Supermarkets are responding by introducing nutrient-dense ready meals and smaller portion sizes.
* The trend is driving demand for protein-rich products, such as smoothies and snacks.
* Fine dining restaurants are also adapting, with celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal introducing a new menu focused on "mindful eating".
* Users of weight-loss drugs are drinking less alcohol, with a 15-percentage point drop in alcohol volume purchases among households with GLP-1 users. Impact on Retail
* Fashion retailers may see a boost as people who have lost weight quickly seek to reinvent themselves with new clothes.
* Second-hand platforms like Vinted could see increased growth as people upgrade their wardrobes.
* The beauty and fitness sector is also experiencing a surge in demand, with users seeking to maintain weight loss and build muscle mass. Economic Impact
* The popularity of weight-loss drugs may lead to a rise in spending on healthcare, toiletries, and supplements.
* The trend could also benefit the fashion industry, with second-hand platforms and smaller clothing sizes driving growth.
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