Consumers signal strong preference for weight loss pills over injections
Over a third (34%) of consumers are more likely to consider taking weight loss medication in a tablet form rather than injections, highlighting the growing popularity of GLP-1s, according to RSM UK’s latest Consumer Outlook. This comes as Eli Lilly’s weight loss pill received regulatory approval for use in the UK last week.
This rises among younger generations, with 43% of millennials more likely to take the tablet form and 42% for Gen Z. In addition, more than half (58%) of higher earners - those earning over £80k – say they would be more likely to consider using a weight loss tablet.
Nearly a quarter (24%) of consumers have used or are using weight loss injections, with 5% currently using them, 6% have used them in the last 12 months and 12% have used them longer than 12 months ago.
Over two fifths (45%) of those who are using GLPs or have used them said they eat smaller portions, almost four in 10 (39%) said they snack less frequently and nearly a third (32%) drink less alcohol.
Jacqui Baker, head of consumer markets at RSM UK, said: “The popularity of weight loss drugs is growing at a rapid pace, despite the reported severe risks that recently made national headlines. That popularity only looks set to accelerate as new, more accessible forms come on the market, including Eli Lilly’s weight loss pill which received regulatory approval in the UK last week.
“We’re already seeing signs of GLP-1s influencing consumer behaviour. The question for consumer-facing businesses will be what happens to people’s baskets as they change what, when and how much they consume. We could see a redistribution of spending rather than an outright reduction. Some categories will undoubtedly face pressure, while others could benefit, for example, across the vitamins, supplements and wider health and wellness market.
“For retailers, the rise of weight loss drugs could impact not just what they sell, but how they manage stock, sizing and anticipate demand as consumers’ needs change. GLP-1s have the potential to become a catalyst for a much broader shift in consumer behaviour. For businesses, the question is how to capture the spend and new opportunities that emerge as consumption patterns change.”