Will weight‑loss drugs reshape UK dairy demand? 

GLP‑1 drugs, used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, work by slowing digestion, suppressing appetite and altering taste perception. As a result, users typically consume fewer calories but place greater emphasis on nutrient‑dense, protein‑rich foods, a trend that may benefit certain dairy categories. 

Although the UK is still at an early stage of adoption, 4.1% of GB households are already using GLP‑1 medications, and the potential market is substantial. With two‑thirds of adults in England classed as overweight and more than a quarter as obese, even modest GLP‑1 uptake could drive notable consumer shifts. 

Annabel Twinberrow, analyst at AHDB, said: “Although the USA takes a different approach to healthcare and their rate of obesity is higher, we can take learnings from their markets when predicting dairy consumption changes related to weight-loss medications. 

“A Rabobank report on a study conducted by Cornell University and Numerator found that US households with at least one GLP-1 user reduced their total grocery spend by around 6% within six months. High‑fat categories such as cheese, butter and ice cream declined, while cottage cheese, Greek yoghurt and whey‑based protein beverages have seen growth.” 

Forecast for the UK

Similar patterns are emerging in Great Britain, where demand for high‑protein yoghurts and cottage cheese has grown steadily, with GLP‑1 usage expected to further accelerate this trajectory. 

Cows’ standard plain yoghurt saw growth of 19.6% year-on-year, while cows’ fat-free yoghurt saw the greatest actual growth, with a 12.9% increase and an additional 4.3m kilos purchased year-on-year. 

Many UK retailers have already launched smaller‑portion ready meals designed with GLP‑1 users in mind, signalling that the food industry is preparing for widespread behavioural change. 

Dairy manufacturers are expected to follow suit withfortified and nutrient‑dense options; convenient, pre‑packed, protein‑rich products; reformulated low‑fat or high‑protein variants and new product developments centred on whey and cultured dairy. 

Ms Twinberrow added: “Dairy is well placed to respond to the ‘less but better’ consumption mindset seen among GLP‑1 users. For dairy, the opportunity lies in strategically aligning with consumer priorities: health, protein and high-quality nutrition in smaller, more meaningful portions and continuing to innovate and invest in the right areas.  

“However, it will be key to invest in local processing capacity for purified whey products for British dairy to fully capitalise on the opportunity.” 

Read more food and drink news.