Weight-loss drugs reshape clothing spending habits, report says
10 reported
A new report from consultancy PwC indicates that the widespread use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro is changing consumer spending, particularly on clothing. In the UK, 5% of adults (nearly 3 million people) are currently on the drugs, with PwC expecting that number to rise to 13% (about 7 million) by the end of next year. The report states that 42% of UK GLP-1 users spend more on clothes, especially activewear and occasion wear. Users like Hayley Grice, who dropped seven sizes after two years on Mounjaro, report buying more clothes and choosing brighter colors. The article notes that plus-size retailers have seen sharp sales declines, with London-based BeigePlus reporting a 20% fall over two years. The arrival of GLP-1s in pill form in the UK this week is expected to further increase uptake.
What’s reported
Hayley Grice, 50, from Shropshire, dropped seven sizes after two years on Mounjaro and now shops in standard stores.
In the US, 21% of adults have tried GLP-1 drugs; in the UK, 5% of adults (nearly 3 million) are currently on them, according to PwC.
PwC expects UK usage to rise to 13% (about 7 million) by the end of next year.
42% of UK GLP-1 users spend more on clothes, especially activewear and occasion wear, per PwC.
60% of GLP-1 users are women; 6% come from lower-income households, 20% from the wealthiest.
One in 10 women aged 35-54 are using the drugs; usage peaks at 13% among 25- to 44-year-olds, says Mintel.
Wegovy pill prices in UK online pharmacies range from £69 to £269 per month; jabs cost £79 to £250; Mounjaro costs £54 to £300.
Side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, and potential kidney damage.
Plus-size retailer BeigePlus reported a 20% sales fall over two years; CEO Hennie Fearnley called the impact "catastrophic."
Berenberg analysts estimate a 1% boost to the UK clothing market from GLP-1s in each of the next three years.
Key figures
Hayley Grice, financial director and Mounjaro user from Shropshire
Tamara Sender Ceron, fashion retail head at Mintel
Dr Craig Primack, from US telehealth company Hims & Hers
Melody Ewert, GLP-1 user from Minnesota, US
Stephen Fitzgerald, former commercial director at M&S
Jacqueline Windsor, UK head of retail at PwC
Anne Critchlow, analyst at Berenberg bank
Simon Wolfson, chief executive of Next
Hennie Fearnley, chief executive of BeigePlus
Sources: The Guardian
