In this article we examine the benefits and downsides of weight loss jabs and consider how their increasing use is influencing food and food supplement markets.
What are weight-loss jabs?
Numerous weight loss jabs are now available, the most popular brands being Wegovy (aka Ozempic), Moujano and Saxenda.
Such jabs act as GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists, mimicking the natural hormones that signal fullness to the brain, reducing hunger and slowing digestion.
Individual products vary in their effectiveness, but for most, body weight loss is seen within a few weeks and an up to 10-20% reduction after 12 months of continuous use1.
The jabs are primarily obtained by private prescription in the UK (in 90% of cases). NHS funded prescription is only available for those with severe or complex obesity as part of a specialist weight loss program.
An estimated 1.6 million people currently use GLP-1 medications in the UK2. The recent introduction by Wegovy of an easy to take weight loss tablet is expected to further accelerate their popularity.
The benefits of GLP-1 medications
Obesity is linked to so many life-limiting health conditions including diabetes, heart disease and stroke that it’s hard to view the jabs, at least in the short term, as anything but beneficial.
Their benefits are largely borne out by a recent large-scale review3 examining the wider health effects of GLP-1 medications. It determined that users lowered their risk of developing 42 different diseases including incidence of heart attacks, liver and respiratory failure. They also reported a significant improvement in mental health.
The downside of GLP-1 medications
In the same review3 people using these products had a higher risk of 19 side effects or diseases compared to those taking their normal medicines. Most notably they were 2.5 times more likely to develop acute pancreatitis. There was also a 30% increase in nausea and vomiting and a smaller increase in arthritis.
Others have argued that GLP-1 medications are just a short -term fix. This is somewhat supported by a recently published review4 examining the use of Megovy (Semaglutide). It demonstrated that on stopping use body weight returns at a faster rate than when following a traditional weight loss programme.
While the safety profile of these medications is not without issue, one must balance this with the benefits they offer. Furthermore. while these medications are undoubtedly effective the most sustainable and safest approach is still a healthy balanced diet combined with exercise.
How are weight loss jabs influencing food and food supplement markets?
The food market is seeing a clear trend towards healthier foods and snacks and away from high sugar and ultra processed offerings. In part this has been driven by the sugar tax, but also by the renewed focus on health and weight management that GLP-1 medications have bought.
Users are avoiding high calorie foods and snacks as well as simply eating less. This is now starting to be reflected in reduced grocery sales. At the same time there is increasing demand for lower calorie, nutrient dense foods.
Some companies are now launching products with weight loss goals specifically in mind. These include M&S (Nutrient Dense Range) and Applied Nutrition (Small and Balanced Range), the latter now listed in Morrisons.
A high proportion of GLP-1 users (>90%) are seeking food supplements which reflect their specific nutritional and physiological needs.
These include food supplements to support exercise and counter the omission of certain foods. Many are also taking supplemental protein to counteract muscle loss, which can be an issue with rapid weight loss. We are also seeing increased usage of probiotics, prebiotics and fibre to help deal with digestive issues.
Looking to the future one might expect the rapid growth of GLP-1 medications to continue unabated, with a corresponding focus by industry on the needs of such users.
This response by suppliers, manufacturers and retailers can be expected to further accelerate the trend towards healthier eating and food supplement usage.
References
1. Once weekly Semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. NEJ 384; 11 (Feb 2021)
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
2. Prevalence of use and interest in using glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for weight loss; a population study in Great Britain. BMC Medicine 24; 1 (Jan 2026)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12916-025-04528-7
3. Weight regain after cessation of medication for weight management: systematic review and Meta study. BMJ 392 (Jan 2026)
https://www.bmj.com/content/392/bmj-2025-085304
4. Mapping the effectiveness and risks of GLP-1 receptors. Nature Medicine 31, 951- 962 (Jan 2025)