Mr McKevitt told The Times the figure is almost double the number last year, but added it is still “pretty low”. He told the same publication: “It’s definitely a trend the industry should keep an eye on as these drugs have the potential to steer choices at the till.”
A Kantar survey shows that four in five drug users said they plan to eat fewer chocolates and crisps. Almost three-quarters intend to cut back on biscuits.
GLP-1 agonists can lower blood sugar levels in people living with Type 2 diabetes and can also be prescribed to support some people with weight loss.
Recent estimates suggest about 1.5 million people in the UK are taking weight loss jabs. The mass rollout of weight loss jabs on the NHS in England started on Monday. GPs are now allowed to prescribe the drugs for the first time.
Health officials have suggested they can help to turn the tide on obesity, but have stressed they are not a silver bullet and do come with side effects.