Injectable appetite‑suppressants such as Mounjaro and Wegovy are now used by 6.3 percent of UK households, driving a £780 million drop in grocery spend and prompting retailers to redesign product ranges for the new low‑appetite consumer. The surge, reported by Worldpanel research for Numerator, reflects a near‑tripling of usage over the past two years.

6.3 percent of British households now on GLP‑1 injections

Worldpanel data shows that 1.9 million Britons are on weekly GLP‑1 drugs, up from 2.3 percent of households in 2024 to 6.3 percent today. Chantel Kennaugh, head of public sector and nutrition at Worldpanel, explains that the drugs siganl satiety to the brain, dramatically reducing snacking and what analysts call “food noise.” According to the report, households with a user spend on average £418 less on food each week than those without a user.

£780 million grocery spend plunge linked to appetite‑suppressants

The same research attributes a £780 million reduction in total grocery outlay over the past year to the expanding GLP‑1 user base. Category‑level analysis reveals sharp declines in bakery items, chocolate and salty snacks. Chocolate spending, for example, fell 18 percentage points more in user households than in non‑user households, with 75 percent of users saying they cut back on chocolate.

Chewing‑gum and mouthwash sales rise as users manage side effects

Side‑effects such as dry mouth and bad breath have spurred a 20‑point jump in mouthwash purchases and a 24‑point increase in chewing‑gum spending among GLP‑1 users. these ancillary trends illustrate how the drugs are reshaping not only core food categories but also ancillary hygiene products.

Marks & Spencer launches nutrient‑dense range for low‑appetite shoppers

Retailers are already adapting. Marks & Spencer has introduced a nutrient‑dense line aimed at health‑focused consumers who still need convenient nutrition. The range emphasizes high‑protein, low‑volume options that cater to shoppers who can’t eat large portions but still want balanced meals.

Will oral GLP‑1 formulations boost adoption?

Worldpanel notes that the drugs are currently available through the NHS and private pharmacies, with some users obtaining them via non‑medical channels. Nishita Pattni, senior consultant at Worldpanel, predicts that approval of oral GLP‑1 formulations in the UK—mirroring the United States—could accelerate uptake even further, though the exact timeline remains unclear.