Key facts
- Households using weight-loss drugs save over £400 annually on groceries.
- GLP-1 drug use has nearly tripled in two years, now including 1.9 million adults.
- GLP-1 user households spent £780 million less on groceries than expected.
- Retailers are adapting by offering 'nutrient dense' products and 'weight management' aisles.
- Cost is a significant barrier, causing 41% of users to stop medication.
Households in Great Britain that include users of weight-loss drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy are saving over £400 annually on grocery bills, according to new research from Worldpanel by Numerator. The use of GLP-1 medications has nearly tripled in the past two years, now encompassing 1.9 million adults and 6.3% of households.
In the year following the start of treatment, these households spent £780 million less on groceries than anticipated, buying 299 million fewer packs. This equates to an average saving of £418 per user household compared to non-users. The shift in eating habits is attributed to users adopting a more mindful approach to food consumption, with over half reporting fewer cravings and less 'food noise'. Consequently, spending on treats like chocolate and crisps has significantly decreased.
The impact extends beyond home grocery shopping, with 40% of users desiring smaller restaurant portions and 26% requesting dedicated menu sections. Some users also reported increased purchases of mouthwash and chewing gum to combat side effects like dry mouth, termed 'Ozempic mouth'.
Chantel Kennaugh, Head of Public Sector and Nutrition GB for Worldpanel by Numerator, noted that GLP-1s have moved from specialized treatment to a mainstream force, with 68% of users now taking them for weight loss. This trend is fundamentally disrupting engagement with food and drink, necessitating rapid adaptation from brands and businesses.
Retailers are responding, with Marks & Spencer introducing 'nutrient dense' foods and Ocado creating a 'weight management' aisle. However, the research also highlighted that cost remains a significant barrier, with 41% of users discontinuing their medication in 2026 due to price.