The Co-op is to become the first chain to jump on board the Ozempic hype train by selling ready meals in their East Midlands convenience stores specially designed to support those taking weight loss drugs.

The new mini-meal line will be rolling out in their regional convenience stores from January 7 and cater for shoppers with smaller appetites.

Priced at £3.50, the four 250g meals are portion-controlled and designed to be high in protein and fibre, while providing at least two portions of fruit or vegetables.

The range includes Chicken & Sweet Potato Penang Curry, Chicken & Courgette Alfredo Pasta and a vegetarian Butternut Squash, Beans & Grains option.

Co-op members can buy any two for £5.50 during the launch period.

They have decided to now start selling the meals after data showed around 3% of the UK population now use Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro.

Co-op retail trading director Nicole Tallant said shoppers were increasingly looking for “healthy and tasty choices”.

“There is also a growing need to cater for smaller appetites with meals that provide the quality without so much of the quantity.  This whole new range is aimed at supporting shoppers’ wellbeing in a meaningful, accessible and convenient way.