A new report has found that the surging use of weight loss medications, commonly known as fat jabs, has cost the food industry £780 million a year in lost sales. The popularity of GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro is significantly altering the nation's shopping habits, according to research by Worldpanel by Numerator.
Rapid increase in users
The study, which surveyed more than 11,500 households, reveals that the number of households with at least one person using a weight loss drug has nearly tripled in just two years, reaching 1.9 million adults. It is estimated that 6.3% of British households now include a current user, up sharply from 4.1% in 2025 and 2.3% in 2024. Women account for 77% of those taking the medication.
Impact on grocery spending
This rapid rise is having a significant impact on the grocery market. Households with at least one person on an appetite suppressant drug have purchased almost 300 fewer grocery items in the first year after starting the medication. Collectively, they spent £780 million less, which equates to £418 per household. More than half of users report fewer cravings, with one in ten saying they no longer enjoy their usual food and drink favorites.
Biggest declines and gains
The largest drop in consumption has been for chocolate, down 75%, and crisps, down 72%, which has major implications for manufacturers. Conversely, the trend has boosted sales of certain products. Due to side effects such as dry mouth and bad breath, there has been a 20 percentage point increase in mouthwash sales and a 24 percentage point increase in chewing gum demand compared to households without a user.
Impact on restaurants
The shift is also affecting the restaurant industry. Two-fifths of users surveyed said they want smaller portion sizes on menus. Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal has warned about the fallout, stating last October: "People just won't eat as much. There needs to be some major rethinking of how, what and when we serve food and drink in a pub or restaurant."
Expert insights
Chantel Kennaugh, head of public sector and nutrition for Worldpanel by Numerator in Britain, said: "What was once a specialised treatment, primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes, has in just a few short years become a mainstream force. Now, 68% of users are taking GLP-1s specifically to lose weight, opening them up to a much wider audience." She added: "These drugs are fundamentally disrupting how people engage with food and drink, with ripple effects already being felt across grocery and lifestyle, forcing brands and businesses to adapt at pace."
Nishita Pattni, the firm's senior consultant, noted: "The picture ahead is complex. While 72% believe GLP-1 medications are being adopted too quickly without sufficient understanding of their long-term effects, growth shows no sign of slowing. Rising adoption in markets like the US, combined with continued innovation, points to even faster uptake. As these drugs reshape user needs, consumers will increasingly look to retailers and manufacturers for support and guidance."
