Mini fridges, once the ultimate teenage bedroom accessory of the mid-2000s, are back in fashion. But instead of being filled with chocolate bars and Fanta, they are now mostly used to store weight-loss medication.
While the Wegovy pill might have just been approved, many people are still injecting the drug. A 2026 University College London study found that 1.6 million Brits have used GLP-1 injections over the past year, with more people paying privately than getting them on the NHS.
Because GLP-1s need to stay cool — especially given the UK's recent hot weather — it's no surprise that mini fridges are being packed with the jabs.
Demand for mini fridges soars
According to statistics published in The Guardian, luxury cooling appliance company Sub-Zero & Wolf in Essex has seen demand for mini fridges increase tenfold since 2024. The company's marketing manager said clients typically buy the fridges to store face creams, gut health shots and injectables. Prices at the high-end firm start at £5,000, while mini fridges at Wilko, Debenhams and Currys cost £47, £59 and £79 respectively.
On TikTok, people are showing off mini fridges used for GLP-1s and beauty products. One user, Diana (@luxfashionmakeupvsg), shared a fridge she bought for her medication, captioning it "My GLP-1 mini fridge" with the hashtag #glp1community.
Millennial mums are also restocking their daughters' pink fridges. Julianna Claire films herself filling her daughter's fridge with Babybels, mini pizzas and peanut butter and jam sandwiches, while another mother adds heart-shaped strawberries, sweets and mini cucumbers.
What doctors say about storing medication
Dr Suzanne Wylie, a GP and medical adviser for IQDoctor, said weight-loss medication must be stored correctly to ensure it works. She told Metro: "Before first use, these medications should be kept in a refrigerator at between 2°C and 8°C. Exposure to temperatures outside this range, particularly excessive heat or freezing, can affect the active ingredient and reduce how well the medication works. Once a pen is in use, the storage advice varies slightly depending on the product, so patients should always follow the manufacturer’s guidance as well as any advice from their pharmacist or prescribing clinician."
However, she cautioned that not all mini fridges are suitable for storing medication. "Some cosmetic fridges or inexpensive portable units have fluctuating temperatures or may not reliably stay within the recommended range, which could compromise the medication. Ideally, the temperature should be monitored, and the medication should never be stored in the freezer compartment or directly against the cooling element, where it could accidentally freeze. If there’s any doubt about whether a medication has been stored correctly, patients should speak to their pharmacist or GPs, as they can advise whether it’s still suitable to use or whether a replacement may be needed."
