However, what may surprise you is how many will be grabbing their iPad or mobile to search for weight loss programmes. Every year since 2022, UK searches for weight loss medication have jumped sharply between December and January, by 41% to 80% each year. Last year, average daily searches nearly doubled (+88%) in the fortnight after Christmas compared with the first three weeks of December, peaking on 2 January. This surge of interest begins as soon as Christmas Day is over and runs right through to early January, as people begin their "new year, new me" project.
For many, this means looking for gym memberships or other fitness pursuits such as Pilates, yoga or running clubs, but for an increasing number, this means weight management programmes.
This is not a one-off. Interest is increasing year on year: January searches for weight loss medication have quadrupled since 2023. One can only hypothesise on the scale of the wave of interest from 25th December based on these figures. The surge is coming...
At Doctor Care Anywhere, we see this as three distinct phases of activity:
We typically see a slight slowdown of new starters for our weight management programme in December, as people decide to enjoy the holiday season. However for many, this is when the planning begins. A deal to be done with oneself you might say. "Let's really enjoy the festive season, but I promise to "be good" come the start of the New year."
This planning phase is when you can start to promote your regulated, trusted and clinically-led weight management programme, giving the guidance and knowledge to those who are set on making a change. Just after the 25th December, OK!
Our DCA Weight Management website traffic and search volumes see a significant spike in interest right from Christmas Day, with orders typically doubling in January from the previous month.
We then see sustained new customer volumes in February, maybe as individuals work out which way they feel will be the most appropriate and practical for them to sustainably change their behaviour to support long term weight loss. Providing nutritional guidance, direct coaching and access to clinical services including digital physios and mental health practitioners are the key ingredients to sustainable and successful weight management.
With over 3m UK adults thinking of starting a weight management programme in the next 12 months, many of them will be on their screens around 4pm on the 25th - how many will be your colleagues, and is now the right time to give them the right tools to plan? We think it is.
Get in touch if you'd like to discuss setting up DCA Weight Management this side of the holidays, and download the white paper here. At least a third of your employees will thank you for this in the New year.