UK consumers reduced their purchases of food and alcohol during the recent Christmas season, a trend attributed to the use of weight loss injections. Despite a 2.5% increase in total grocery sales reaching £19.6 billion in the four weeks leading up to December 27 compared to the previous year, sales volume experienced a decline of 0.2%.
Retail analysts suggest that this shift in consumer behavior is linked to the growing popularity of GLP-1 injections, which simulate a hormone that triggers a sense of fullness in the body. Recent data from University College London estimates that approximately 1.6 million adults in the UK have utilized these injections in the past year, with products like Mounjaro and Wegovy prescribed for weight loss by the NHS, while Ozempic is primarily used for diabetes treatment.
Jonathan De Mello, a retail analyst at JDM Retail, highlighted the impact of this trend on the grocery sector, noting the rise in GLP-1 usage contributing to a decline in year-on-year grocery volume among users, particularly affecting high-calorie categories such as snacks and alcohol. As a result, retailers may need to adjust their product offerings to cater to the shift towards more moderate consumption habits.
Major retailers have responded to this trend by introducing smaller meal options. Co-op launched a range of “mini meals” tailored for individuals with smaller appetites, while Marks & Spencer rolled out a new “nutrient dense” selection, and Iceland expanded its frozen ready meal assortment with 38 new products.
The influence of weight loss injections on consumer behavior was also acknowledged by industry leaders. The CEO of Greggs noted the impact on sales figures, emphasizing a growing demand for smaller portions and healthier choices among customers. Tesco’s chief executive highlighted the importance of monitoring consumer trends closely in light of the rise in weight loss medication, while Sainsbury’s CEO emphasized the need to observe changing shopping patterns among consumers.
Overall, the shift towards healthier eating habits driven by weight loss injections has prompted retailers to adapt their offerings to align with evolving consumer preferences.