The widespread use of weight-loss drugs is driving significant changes in consumer purchasing patterns for both food and apparel.
As consumption of sweet foods and alcohol declines while demand for protein-rich and portion-controlled products rises—coupled with increased clothing purchases driven by weight loss—the retail industry is actively adapting to these shifts.
According to recent reports from CBS News, a survey conducted by the strategy consulting firm EY-Parthenon revealed that 54% of GLP-1 receptor agonist users take the medication primarily for weight management.
This marks the first time that weight management has surpassed other therapeutic uses, such as treating diabetes and other medical conditions.
The survey was conducted among approximately 15,000 South Korean consumers, including 3,602 current or past users of GLP-1 medications.
The most pronounced changes following increased drug use have emerged in the food consumption sector.
Survey results showed that 63% of GLP-1 users reported reducing their intake of sweet snacks like chocolate and candy, while 57% stated they consume fewer salty snacks.
Conversely, 66% reported increasing their consumption of fruits and vegetables, and 61% noted an increase in protein intake.
Beverage consumption patterns have also shifted. About 51% of respondents decreased their consumption of carbonated soft drinks, and 45% reported cutting down on alcohol.
Food manufacturers and retailers are actively responding to these evolving preferences.
Don Johnson, consumer strategy leader at EY-Parthenon, explained to CBS News that manufacturers and retailers are placing more foods targeted at GLP-1 users, protein-fortified products, and smaller-portion items prominently on store shelves.
Furthermore, 72% of GLP-1 users reported that their clothing size changed after losing weight, and 46% indicated they changed the clothing brands they typically purchased.
Demand has particularly grown for form-fitting apparel, swimwear, and athletic wear among consumers undergoing physical transformations.
Experts believe that the shift in consumer patterns driven by the spread of weight-loss drugs will not be a temporary trend.
Johnson noted that while some consumer goods manufacturers initially viewed the shift as a passing fad, they now recognize it as a structural change.
