Prime Highlights:
- Marks & Spencer is introducing a new range of nutrient-dense salads, breads, yoghurt bowls, and chicken meals for people using appetite-suppressing weight-loss medications.
- The new range is designed to pack maximum nutrition per calorie, helping customers maintain a balanced diet while eating smaller portions.
Key Facts:
- Weight-loss injections like Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, and Saxenda are gaining popularity in the UK, prompting retailers to adapt their food offerings.
- The growing use of GLP-1 treatments has boosted demand in both the pharmaceutical and food sectors, with companies like Eli Lilly benefiting financially.
Background:
Marks & Spencer has announced the launch of a new “nutrient-dense” food range designed specifically for people using weight-loss medications, as appetite-suppressing injections gain popularity across the UK. The new collection will be available in stores from 5 January.
The range includes a selection of salads, breads, yoghurt bowls and chicken-based meals that are carefully portioned and packed with essential nutrients. According to the retailer, the products are aimed at customers who are eating smaller quantities but still want to meet their daily nutritional needs.
In recent years, a growing number of Britons have turned to weight-loss injections such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound and Saxenda. These medications work by mimicking the gut hormone GLP-1, which helps reduce appetite and food intake. While effective for many users, the shift has created new challenges for food retailers, as consumers on these treatments tend to buy and eat less.
Annette Peters, Head of Food Innovation at Marks & Spencer, said the company recognised the need to adapt to changing dietary habits. She explained that the new range focuses on delivering “more nutrients per calorie,” ensuring that customers receive key vitamins, minerals and protein even when consuming smaller portions.
M&S is not alone in responding to this trend. Earlier this month, Morrisons announced a partnership with health and wellness brand Applied Nutrition to introduce a range of high-protein, GLP-1-friendly ready meals. Around 53 products are expected to be rolled out across approximately 400 Morrisons stores from early January.
Experts say the focus on people using weight-loss medications may grow in the coming years, especially if pharmaceutical companies develop anti-obesity pills. These pills would be easier to distribute and cheaper than injections, which could lead to more people using them.
Even though these injections are becoming more popular, they are still expensive and come with potential side effects. Health authorities are studying their long-term effects, including possible issues with the pancreas.
The rising demand for GLP-1 treatments has also boosted the pharmaceutical industry, with companies like Eli Lilly seeing financial gains. At the same time, food retailers are adapting to meet the needs of customers following these new health trends.
