Weight-loss drugs are starting to alter more than eating habits. According to new research and retail observations, the growing use of GLP-1 medicines such as Wegovy and Mounjaro is influencing what consumers buy, particularly in clothing, as users slim down and replace wardrobes.
One example is Hayley Grice, 50, from Shropshire, who says she has lost seven dress sizes after taking the Mounjaro jab for two years. She previously lived for years in much larger sizes and says she often had to buy whatever would fit rather than choosing clothes for style. Now a UK size 12, she shops in regular stores instead of a plus-size retailer and says she feels freer to wear brighter, more attention-grabbing clothing.
The shift is not limited to individual shoppers. PwC says 5% of adults in Britain, or nearly 3 million people, are currently using GLP-1 drugs, while 9% have used them at some point. The consultancy expects that figure to rise to 13% by the end of next year, which would be about 7 million people. It says these medicines are already affecting spending across categories and are creating “a new consumer.”
Market research cited in the report suggests that GLP-1 users tend to eat less, choose healthier food and reduce alcohol consumption, while spending more on clothing, skincare, hair products, sports equipment, games, toys and health-tracking gadgets. Analysts at Berenberg estimate the drugs could add about 1% to the overall UK clothing market. The trend may accelerate further as pill versions of GLP-1 medicines become available in Britain, with pharmacies preparing for more requests for the once-daily Wegovy tablet, which is currently available only on private prescription.
Source: theguardian.com
