How weight-loss jabs are changing the way we spend money

Weight loss vaccines are changing not only people’s bodies but also their spending habits.

It is estimated that approximately 2.5 million people in the UK currently use medication.

Drugs such as semaglutide, marketed under names such as Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus, and tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro, work by mimicking the natural hormone that regulates blood sugar, appetite and digestion.

Those who buy injections privately, also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, may have to spend hundreds of lira per month for years.

But while pharmaceuticals have only just begun to grow in popularity, below we take a look at the new trends emerging and how businesses are adapting to a new type of consumer.

New portion-controlled, nutrient-rich food

There is a growing trend among major retailers to introduce new lines that appeal specifically to consumers who use weight loss shots.

Online supermarket Ocado has launched a new “weight management” range featuring portion-controlled and nutrient-rich “GLP-1 friendly products” such as a mini steak and a “powdered greens” supplement.

Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Greggs have launched a range of products targeting people who already use drugs. The co-op also sells 250 to 280 gram “mini meals” that are “inspired by global cuisines.”

Decrease in eating out and takeaway services

A Morgan Stanley survey last year found that 63 percent of Ozempic users spent less when dining out in the U.S.; This wasn’t because they were broke, but because they couldn’t stomach the multi-course meals they once made.

Nima Safaei, owner of 64 Old Compton Street, 40 Dean Street and the soon-to-open 27 Old Compton Street, has noticed a distinct change in customer behavior.

“More customers are coming in just to drink or order a few entrees to share, and we’re seeing the decline of three-course meals,” he explained. “Sometimes we wonder why people come here when they’re not particularly hungry, but we understand it’s about the social experience and enjoying an evening with friends.”

This has sparked the rise of ‘Mounjaro menus’, with some high-end restaurants changing their menus, offering half portions, smaller plates, more nutrient-dense options and “luxury snacks” such as canapés, caviar and oysters that appeal to customers who want quality, not quantity.

People who got the shot also reported reducing the number of takeaways they got or stopping ordering them altogether.

increased sobriety

It’s not just food orders that are decreasing, but also beverage bills. Most users of weight loss shots report reduced cravings for alcohol; This is a side effect that is starting to show up in restaurants and bars.

Mr. Safaei also noticed this. “Some guests are drinking less overall, skipping pre-dinner cocktails or opting for lighter options like spritzes or low ABV wines,” he said. “However, people still want to have fun, and the social aspect of drinking with friends hasn’t gone away; it’s just evolving.”

For restaurants, this is more concerning than a few mains that are barely touched. Alcohol sales are one of the top money-making sales, often subsidizing the low profit margins on food. Toby Clark, Morgan Stanley’s VP of EMEA Consulting, warned that this could be one of the most significant shifts in the industry. “It appears that GLP-1 could be a real threat to the industry, especially given extensive reports of users reducing their alcohol intake. Alcohol is a key driver of profitability in many restaurants, so there is a potential double whammy of reduced revenue from food and beverage revenue.”

With fewer people drinking and ordering fewer full meals, restaurants are facing a problem they won’t easily solve with a new tasting menu.

The fashion industry was positively affected

While the food industry is struggling, the fashion industry looks poised to benefit from the increased use of weight-loss vaccines.

As people lose weight, they will need to buy more clothes from new or second-hand platforms and will be able to sell their old clothes on these sites.

The boom in the use of weight-loss drugs is having “major repercussions” on the tailoring industry, the Savile Row boss has said.

Sean Dixon, co-founder of tailor Richard James, said some customers have had to make major adjustments to their cutters or completely redo dresses due to rapid weight loss.

Beauty, health and fitness industries also benefit from this

Recent academic studies emphasize the necessity of exercise and diet support in individuals using these medications. Research at the University of Oxford has shown that people who receive a fat-burning vaccine need ongoing help to prevent weight regain. Separately, findings from University College London (UCL) and the University of Cambridge suggested that those taking these drugs may be prone to muscle wasting.

The general manager of a national gym chain explained that the rise in weight-loss drugs has led to increased demand for fitness centers. Will Orr, who heads low-cost gym chain The Gym Group, said the company is “absolutely” observing the impact of GLP-1s as a “tailwind and a contributing factor” to its business.

Meanwhile, doctors have previously warned about the “Ozempic face”, a possible side effect of using the drugs both as a weight loss method and without proper medical supervision, as users shared their experiences of accelerated aging.

As for whether the side effect can be reversed, dermatologists said the only way to do this non-invasively is to inject fillers, which can cost thousands of dollars.