Marks & Spencer is launching a range of foods tailored to people taking weight-loss injections as use of the drugs accelerates in the UK.

The new range of 20 “nutrient-dense” products from the retailer is aimed at customers taking GLP-1 weight-loss medications, as supermarkets increasingly adapt to the impact the drugs are having on shopping baskets.

The range will go on sale in M&S foodhalls from January 5 and includes salads, meals and bread designed to deliver high levels of fibre, vitamins and minerals in smaller portions.

There has been a dramatic rise in the use of GLP-1 drugs in the UK. Online searches and private prescriptions have increased sharply, driven by their effectiveness for weight loss and widespread media attention. About 1.5 million people in the UK are now estimated to be accessing GLP-1 treatment privately, while NHS England prescriptions for the injections have risen by around 900 per cent since 2020.

GLP-1 medications — known formally as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists — were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes by helping to regulate blood sugar. In recent years, drugs such as semaglutide (sold as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss) and tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro) have surged in popularity for their weight-loss effects, as they suppress appetite, slow digestion and signal fullness to the brain.

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Nutrient-dense foods are those that provide a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, fibre, healthy fats and protein relative to their calorie content. M&S said the range was developed by its nutritionists in consultation with the British Nutrition Foundation, using criteria that ensure each product delivers more nutrients per mouthful.

M&S said the new range had been developed to address the nutritional challenges that can arise when people eat less, whether due to medication, age or lifestyle. A reduced appetite can make it harder to consume enough fibre and essential nutrients, increasing the risk of deficiencies and digestive side effects such as constipation.

Grace Ricotti, M&S head of food nutrition, said: “Our nutrient-dense range is perfect for customers looking to support their health as each recipe is packed with the key nutrients we all need in our diets.

“With the increase in popularity of weight-loss injections, a reduced appetite can mean missing out on important nutrients and that’s why nutrient density is so important. These new meals, snacks and drinks can help everyone get more fibre, vitamins and minerals in their diet.”

Supermarkets and consumer goods companies are increasingly catering to households using the drugs. Morrisons was the first UK supermarket to announce a dedicated “GLP-1 friendly” range, developed with sports nutrition brand Applied Nutrition, under its “Small & Balanced” banner. Nestlé, the consumer goods giant, has launched a frozen food brand in the US aimed at GLP-1 users, while Haleon, the British multinational consumer healthcare company, has introduced a multivitamin designed to help replenish nutrients for people eating less.

The trend is expected to accelerate further as GLP-1 medications move beyond injections. Tablet versions are beginning to reach the market, with US regulators approving an oral version of Wegovy and rival pills expected to follow, potentially widening access to the drugs.

While the drugs are approved for diabetes and obesity treatment, clinicians have raised concerns about the number of people accessing them outside clinical pathways for cosmetic weight loss. The long-term consequences of widespread use are still being studied, particularly as lower calorie intake can increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies if diets are not carefully managed.