{"id":652651,"date":"2026-06-22T18:46:16","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T18:46:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/652651\/"},"modified":"2026-06-22T18:46:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T18:46:16","slug":"glp-1-use-set-to-double-following-wegovy-pill-approval-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/652651\/","title":{"rendered":"GLP-1 use set to double following Wegovy pill approval | News"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Pill<\/p>\n

The number of adults using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs could more than double to seven million following the approval of pill format medication, according to PwC.<\/p>\n

Adoption among adults could leap to two-and-a-half times current levels to 13%, the consultancy said in research released this morning.<\/p>\n

Just under a tenth (9%) of UK adults have ever used the appetite-suppressing medication, which has exploded in popularity in recent years as an aid to weight loss.\u00a0<\/p>\n

An additional 18% of consumers now say they would consider using the jab or pill \u2013 representing a massive potential change in shopping habits.<\/p>\n

The vast majority (70%) of those using the drugs spent less on snacks and confectionery, and 60% spent less on sugary drinks.\u00a0But 60% of users reported increasing their fresh food budget, and 54% said they spent more on high-protein foods. Four in 10 (40%) said they spent more on vitamins and supplements.<\/p>\n

The drugs have already wiped off \u00a3780m from household spend<\/a> in the year to 28 February, according to NIQ statistics released in early June \u2013 equivalent to \u00a3418 less a year for each household with a GLP-1 user.<\/p>\n

GLP-1s are now the \u201cmost consumerised medication today\u201d, said PwC UK head of retail and partner in the firm\u2019s Strategy& consulting wing Jacqueline Windsor.<\/p>\n

Growing awareness and adoption of the drugs means that patients are increasingly picky, considering brand, value, efficacy, convenience and trust when choosing their medication.<\/p>\n

Wegovy was the first brand to win regulatory approval for pill-format drugs in the UK<\/a> last week, following their approval in January 2026 in the US.<\/p>\n

\u201cClearly likely to be more accessible\u201d for many consumers compared to jabs, the pill\u2019s approval represented a \u201cnotable moment for the UK food system\u201d, according to Shore Capital VC Clive Black.<\/p>\n

Retailers have prepared for high demand for the new-format drugs, with Superdrug asking customers to register their interest ahead of product launch.<\/p>\n

Windsor added that users expressed \u201crenewed confidence and energy\u201d that shaped their demand for nutritious foods, fitness routines and fresh wardrobes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat represents a basket reallocation rather than a reduction of spend,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho your GLP-1 customers are, and how your category\u202fchanges, will dictate how brands and retailers compete.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

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