Adults who have taken GLP-1 weight-loss drugs spend less on groceries and takeaways, even after they have finished taking them.
Eight per cent of Britons say they have used weight-loss drugs, equivalent to 4.3 million people. A further 14%, equivalent to 7.6 million people, would consider using them in the future, according to a nationally representative poll of 2,000 adults by YouGov.
Nearly three-quarters of users (72%) believe weight-loss drugs are more effective than traditional dieting, and 67% say they are less interested in junk food since starting treatment. However, 80% worry that they will regain weight if they stop taking the medication.
Consumers using weight-loss drugs reported notable changes in their diets, scaling back on high-calorie convenience food and alcohol in favour of healthier options.
The GLP-1 users polled reported consuming more vegetables (38%), vitamins (23%), and fish or seafood (21%) while nearly two-thirds (64%) said they eat fewer snacks, over half (53%) eat less fast food, and two in five (39%) drink less alcohol.
Changes in consumption are reflected in spending. Those currently using weight-loss drugs spend an average of £91 per week on household groceries, compared with £102 before starting treatment — an 11% reduction. Monthly takeaway spend took a bigger hit, falling from £49 to £30.
The impact continues after treatment ends, though at a more moderate level. Former users spend an average of £100 per week on groceries, compared with £107 before using weight-loss drugs, representing a 7% decline. They spend £40 per month on takeaways, down from £49 previously.
The figures suggest that the behavioural changes associated with weight-loss drug use may persist beyond active treatment, influencing both grocery and foodservice expenditure over time, YouGov said.
Ag Hoffmann, YouGov’s lead healthcare director said: “The rise of GLPs is having a huge impact on the grocery and takeaway market.
“Whilst the number of users is relatively low at the moment, this is only going to increase in the future, creating both opportunities and threats to the wider market from QSRs to grocers, we also expect to see impact across other sectors like leisure and retail. YouGov will continue to monitor these trends.”
Several retailers have launched ready meals targeted at GLP-1 users since the start of the year.
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