Weight Loss Drugs Drive Apparel Size Shifts in U.S. Retail and Resale Markets
Jennifer Johnson, founder of True Fashionistas—the largest clothing resale business in Florida—has observed a dramatic change in clothing size inventory over the past year. Where smaller sizes once dominated, larger sizes have become more prevalent in the batches of clothing arriving for resale. “We always wanted the larger sizes because they were popular — the minute you got them in, they would sell immediately,” Johnson explained. “Now our extra small area is smaller than our extra large,” she added.
This phenomenon, widely referred to as the “Ozempic effect,” reflects the impact of GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Zepbound on consumer body sizes, influencing apparel demand nationwide. Janet Curran, owner of Do Good Co. in Kansas City, corroborates this trend, noting increased turnover and demand for smaller sizes as customers transition through weight loss stages.
Retailers Adjust Inventory Amid Changing Size Demand
A recent Rand survey found that approximately 11.8% of U.S. adults have used GLP-1 drugs, with another 14% considering them. Despite these figures, major apparel retailers and manufacturers have not publicly confirmed any reduction in larger size production. Walmart and Levi Strauss declined to comment on the issue.
Avneet Singh, founder of Regent Row—a men’s big and tall clothing line sold through Nordstrom and Macy’s—observes a leftward shift in size demand within the larger size range. “Retailers are putting fewer extended sizes on the rack,” Singh said, noting more sizes above 2XL are now available predominantly online. However, he emphasized that demand for inclusive sizing remains strong, as height and body composition still require specialized fits.
Singh further highlighted that many retailers are outsourcing production of the largest sizes (5XL and above) to external vendors instead of maintaining private labels. His brand continues to see robust sales in 5XL and 6XL sizes, but also increased interest in 3XL and 4XL as customers downsize.
Concerns Over Plus-Size Market Underservice
Fashion Institute of Technology professor Mallorie Dunn warns of potential risks if manufacturers reduce plus-size apparel production prematurely. “Plus-size customers are grossly underserved as it stands — they need more options, not less,” Dunn said, citing studies showing that 68% to 72% of American consumers wear plus sizes, yet plus-size clothing accounts for only 12% to 18% of apparel revenue.
Kara Richardson Whitely, founder of the Gorgeous Agency, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the existence of weight loss drugs does not eliminate the plus-size market. She cautioned brands against abandoning plus-size offerings, calling such moves a missed financial opportunity.
Price and Accessibility Remain Barriers to Mass Adoption
Despite the growing popularity of GLP-1 drugs, their high cost limits widespread adoption. Marty Bauer, director of ecommerce at Omnisend, notes that significant reductions in drug prices are necessary before the apparel industry experiences a wholesale shift in size demand.
Recent efforts by pharmaceutical companies may influence this trajectory. Novo Nordisk has announced price cuts on Ozempic, making it available for less than half its list price to cash-paying patients via multiple platforms. Eli Lilly is expanding distribution of its weight loss drug Zepbound and developing a needle-free pill alternative, potentially broadening market reach.
Bauer highlighted the delicate balance manufacturers face: “If sales begin to dip, production could slow, and that might push prices up since smaller runs are usually more expensive to make.”
Resale Market Reflects Early Signs of Industry Shift
Back in Naples, Florida, Jennifer Johnson continues to monitor these evolving trends with keen interest. “We are still in the infancy stages of how this will affect people as they age and continue using the drug,” she said. Johnson has also noticed that larger sizes in traditional mall retailers are increasingly relegated to clearance racks, signaling early retail adjustments to changing consumer sizes.
FinOracleAI — Market View
The rising adoption of GLP-1 weight loss drugs is driving a tangible shift in apparel size demand, particularly affecting resale markets and prompting retailers to reconsider inventory strategies. While the plus-size segment remains significant, the demand curve is shifting toward smaller sizes within the larger size range, influencing how brands allocate production and shelf space.
Risks include uncertain long-term adoption rates of these drugs due to cost barriers and potential backlash if retailers reduce plus-size offerings prematurely. Ongoing pricing adjustments and drug accessibility will be critical to monitor, as they will determine the pace and scale of apparel market transformation.
Impact: neutral
