Weight-loss medications are reducing users’ household grocery costs by more than £400 annually, new research shows. Use of GLP-1 drugs has nearly tripled over two years, reaching 1.9 million adults. Just over 6.3% of households in Great Britain now include at least one GLP-1 user, up from 4.1% in 2025 and 2.3% in 2024, according to Worldpanel by Numerator. Households with a GLP-1 user spent £780 million less on groceries than expected in the year after starting treatment. The survey of more than 11,600 households found that GLP-1 users purchased 299 million fewer grocery packs in February alone. This resulted in an average £418 reduction in annual spending for user households compared with non-user ones. Over half of users described their eating as “mindful,” guided by hunger rather than habit. Fifty-four percent reported fewer cravings and less “food noise,” while 11% said they no longer enjoyed former favorite foods. Three-quarters cut back on chocolate and 72% ate fewer crisps. Chocolate spending fell 18 percentage points more in user households. Outside the home, 40% wanted smaller restaurant portions and 26% sought GLP-1-friendly menu options. Increased purchases of mouthwash and chewing gum rose 20 and 24 percentage points respectively due to dry mouth side effects. Price has become the main barrier, with 41% of users stopping treatment in 2026 because of cost. Some retailers now offer targeted products, including nutrient-dense ranges and dedicated virtual aisles.
