Weight loss is dominating global headlines. For decades, there’s been intense scrutiny and unwavering interest in celebrity diets, but nothing has captured people in the way that weight loss jabs have. It’s virtually impossible to read a newspaper or watch a bulletin without debate about or a mention of weight loss drugs, such as Wegovy and Ozempic. New weight loss trends are impacting the world of health and wellness, but there’s a ripple effect. In this guide, we’ll explore the connection between new trends and changes in the luxury retail industry.
Contemporary Weight Loss Trends
Weight loss trends have long been a subject of intrigue and media attention. From high-fat diets and new-fangled exercise programs to cutting out carbohydrates, juicing, and fasting, consumers may have thought they’d seen it all. In 2023/ 2024, a new trend seized the spotlight. Weight loss drugs, most notably Ozempic and Wegovy, were approved for weight loss purposes, becoming increasingly accessible.
Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide. Previously used to treat diabetes patients (Ozempic) and people who have weight-related health conditions (Wegovy), semaglutide for weight loss works by reducing your appetite, causing you to eat less. Taking the drug eliminates the risk of overeating commonly associated with diets that restrict calorie intake and often induce cravings for so-called ‘banned’ foods. Searches for semaglutide have increased globally since 2022, with studies showing this is almost entirely based on its weight loss capacities rather than its diabetes links. Sales of Ozempic leapt by over 50 percent in the US in 2024. The number of people who would buy weight loss drugs if given the opportunity is likely to be much higher than the sales data for 2024, as there is a shortage of products and prices have remained stubbornly high.
The Impact of Modern Weight Loss Trends on Luxury Retail
The rise of weight loss drugs is already impacting luxury retail, despite their relevant infancy. Key effects include:
Growing Demand for Smaller Sizes
One of the most significant consequences of the weight loss drugs trend is a growing demand for smaller sizes and a reduced uptake of larger sizes. Research published in the Wall Street Journal revealed a 15 percent year-on-year decrease in sales of women’s clothing in sizes larger than a US 14. Analysis of flagship stores in Madison Avenue published in the Washington Post showed a 12 percent increase in sales of shirts in sizes XXS-S.
A Step Backwards in Body Diversity
Size inclusivity and body diversity have been focal points in retail and fashion campaigns in recent years, with many luxury brands and high-profile high-street names embracing and championing a wider range of sizes. As weight loss drugs dominate the news, some are taking a step back. The Vogue Business Spring/Summer 2025 menswear size inclusivity report shows a significant decrease in the use of plus-size models. Figures have decreased from 11.5% of shows in February 2023 to 4.6 percent for spring/summer 2025.
Booming Second-Hand Sales
Losing weight often means dropping dress sizes. If your clothes don’t fit, the natural response is to refresh your wardrobe and buy smaller sizes. Research shows that the rise of weight loss drugs has triggered a surge in second-hand sales, with many users selling their clothes following substantial weight reductions. Poshmark, an online marketplace, has seen a staggering 103 percent increase in second-hand listings for plus-size clothing. There’s also been a sharp rise (78 percent) in the number of listings that mention ‘weight loss’ in the title or product description.
Increased Interest in Facial Treatments for Weight Loss
Drugs that make people lose a significant amount of weight are not just impacting the fashion industry. They’re also affecting the beauty sector. Just as losing weight has visible effects on the body, it also changes the face. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported a 5% increase in facial plastic surgery in 2023 and there’s growing demand for non-surgical therapies, including dermal fillers. Fillers are used to plump the skin and tackle signs of aging, such as sagging, loose and wrinkled skin.
The term ‘Ozempic face’ has become part of everyday language and is used to describe the gaunt, thin appearance of the face following dramatic weight loss. Aesthetic doctor, Dr Luke Sullivan, who is based in London, said that many patients who receive facial treatments after using Ozempic have signs commonly seen in patients who are 10 to 20 years older.
What Does the Future Hold?
Weight loss drugs are increasingly commonplace, but they’re not accessible to all. They are not yet widely available via state-funded health systems and cost and supply are significant barriers. As prices are high, these drugs are usually associated with high earners, including celebrities. If supplies increase and prices come down, or more patients are given opportunities to try the drugs without paying a premium, retail trends may become even more visible and far-ranging. At present, ripples are impacting luxury retail, but the effects could trickle down to mainstream and affordable fashion and beauty brands and consumers.
There is an ethical debate about the use of weight loss drugs, particularly at a time when they’re not accessible to most people. Some people also have reservations about the long-term implications and the availability of drugs to patients with diabetes. It remains to be seen how popular weight loss drugs will become if there is a surge in production and a reduction in prices.
It’s natural to think about the impact of weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy in the context of health and wellness trends, but studies show that weight loss injections and medications are also affecting luxury retail, fashion and beauty. As people lose weight, the demand for smaller sizes is increasing while sales of larger sizes and plus-size collections are falling. Another key issue is size inclusivity. Research highlights a step back in diversity, with a significant decrease in the number of shows featuring at least one plus-size model from 2023 to 2025. The number of people losing weight via weight loss drugs has also triggered a surge in second-hand listings and increased demand for rejuvenating facial treatments designed to add volume and plumpness to the skin.
For more on the latest in beauty and wellness reads, click here.
