Weight-loss drugs reshape clothing retail as users spend on smaller sizes

GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro are driving shifts in apparel spending, with UK users buying more clothes and plus-size retailers reporting sales declines.

• PwC research found that 5% of UK adults are on GLP-1 drugs and expects that share to rise to 13% by the end of 2027.
• Stephen Fitzgerald, a former M&S commercial director, said the effect on apparel retailers should be significant.
• Simon Wolfson, Next CEO, told analysts that sales of very large sizes have fallen.
• Hennie Fearnley, CEO of plus-size retailer BeigePlus, said the impact on the market has been catastrophic, with a 20% sales drop over two years.