A surge in people who have successfully lost weight using GLP-1 receptor agonists has created a sudden demand for new clothing.

In the United States, the widespread use of GLP-1 receptor agonists has led to a surge in consumers experiencing dramatic weight loss and changing clothing sizes. This could potentially generate up to $13 billion (approximately 1.97 trillion yen) in additional consumer spending annually for the apparel industry.

Weight loss pills and GLP-1s: Stitch Fix, apparel retailers may benefit
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/09/weight-loss-pills-glp-1s-stitch-fix-apparel-retailers.html

GLP-1 receptor agonists were originally developed as a treatment for diabetes, but in the United States they are often prescribed as weight-loss drugs, and oral GLP-1 receptor agonists have already been approved since 2025.

According to research firm Bernstein, the increasing popularity of weight-loss drugs, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, is projected to boost total clothing sales in the United States by approximately 1% to 4%. As of the time of writing, about one in eight adults in the United States is taking weight-loss drugs, and about 80% of users anticipate the need for new clothes due to changes in their body shape. This is expected to be a strong boost for the apparel market, which has been stagnant for a long time.

This shift in consumer behavior is already beginning to show up in concrete data, and according to market research firm Circana, the movement is particularly noticeable in the underwear category, where fit is a key factor.

For example, while the market share for larger bras with an underbust of 42 inches (approximately 107 cm) or more is declining, the market share for medium and small sizes is rising. American fashion brand Victoria's Secret has reportedly observed a trend of approximately 3% reduction in the size of underwear sold.

Furthermore, in recent months, demand has shifted from plus-size women's clothing to standard sizes 12 and below, highlighting the reality that consumers are gradually buying smaller sizes as they lose weight.

One company that has quickly capitalized on this demand is the personal styling service Stitch Fix. The company has seen a threefold increase in customer requests for services related to weight loss in the past two years, and is strengthening its marketing efforts, including creating a dedicated landing page for people struggling with rapid changes in their body shape.

Furthermore, ThredUp, a platform for secondhand clothing, reports that while plus-size inventory is increasing as people who have lost weight sell their old clothes, sales of smaller-waisted jeans are accelerating, indicating a more active replacement cycle.

Economic media outlet CNBC speculates that 'consumers in a transitional period before their size stabilizes tend to seek affordable clothing at off-price retailers and mass retailers. In addition, increased motivation for exercise, along with the advantage that stretchy fabrics can easily accommodate changes in body shape, are expected to boost demand for sportswear brands.'

Furthermore, it is predicted that the use of rental services will increase among people who are unsure of what clothes suit them. Therefore, the American apparel industry appears to be paying attention to the 'weight loss' movement created by weight-loss drugs as a new economic opportunity.