The Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) has created a GLP-1 insight hub, which is designed to provide food businesses with weight loss insights.

IGD found that GLP-1 weight loss drugs were already having an impact on the food industry, with 69% of British GLP-1 users reducing their consumption of snacks, 66% eating smaller meal portions, and 48% eating fewer meals overall. IGD also revealed the effects GLP-1 use has on category purchases, with people consuming more water, fruit and vegetables, protein, fibre and supplements.

The side effects of GLP-1s affect purchases, too, IGD stated. It found that supplements including electrolytes, magnesium, and probiotics were “hot topics” online for managing the effects of weight-loss treatment.

IGD said its GLP-1 insight hub would provide “impartial research and analysis” in one place online, with supporting analysis and commentary. The hub is reportedly designed to “empower businesses to see the full picture” from a global perspective, anticipate change, navigate challenges and strategic opportunities, and stay up to date with the latest developments.

Tom Wakeman, insights director at IGD, commented: “Since the emergence of GLP-1 medication for weight loss, there has been a huge amount of complex, and sometimes conflicting, information for businesses to take on board. We have created the hub to provide a central location which equips businesses with insights and foresights that demystify complexity, guide action and inspire strategic direction.”

Weight loss treatments “present a challenge”

Although IGD estimated that only 3% of British adults are currently using GLP-1 medications for weight loss, it said there was “unwelcome news for any food businesses hoping the trend will die down or blow over”, as one in five British dieters are reported to be open to trying GLP-1s, while one in three British adults are currently trying to lose weight.

Wakeman continued: “GLP-1s are here to stay and businesses that will prosper from it will be those that are forward-thinking and find ways to support weight loss journeys. This includes considerations around innovation and reformulation within the categories experiencing increased demand as a result of weight loss medication. Whilst it undoubtedly presents a challenge, it also presents an opportunity to evolve and adapt to support changing customer journeys.”