LSN : News : Women less confident in Bank of England amid inflation pressures

Hims & Hers takes on obesity crisis in provocative Super Bowl ad

Sick of the System by Hims & Hers, US

US – Telehealth brand Hims & Hers made a bold debut at the Super Bowl with a provocative 60-second ad addressing the US obesity epidemic. The commercial, which aired in the third quarter, highlighted the societal and personal impact of obesity while calling out systemic barriers to access to weight loss medication.

The ad positions Hims & Hers as an affordable alternative to major weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, promoting its compounded GLP-1 medication, which the company claims is 85% cheaper than Wegovy and made in the USA. But the product is not Federal Drug Administration-approved, and the agency has flagged adverse event reports.

Critics argue that the campaign downplays the risks of compounded drugs, but the company insists on its rigorous quality standards. ‘The FDA has stated that adverse events for compounded GLP-1s appear consistent with the FDA-approved versions,’ said a company spokesperson .

For more insights on what’s new and next for weight loss drugs and their consequences on consumer behaviour, head to our Neozempic Futures and Future Forecast 2025: Sports, Health & Wellness reports.

Strategic opportunity

Explore opportunities in the growing market for at-home injectable health solutions delivered via telehealth, using the normalisation of injectable medications like Ozempic to develop new products or services catering for consumer preferences for convenience and self-administration

Women less confident in Bank of England amid inflation pressures

UK – New research from the University of Oxford reveals that women trust the Bank of England (BoE) less than men and feel more financially squeezed by inflation, highlighting a challenge for policymakers looking to restore public confidence.

The study, soon to be published in the National Institute Economic Review, according to Bloomberg, found that women are less satisfied with the BoE’s performance. Co-authors Michael McMahon and Lovisa Reiche attribute this disparity to different responses to inflation: while men tend to demand higher wages, women are more likely to cut spending and search for discounts.

‘Women seem to view any inflation as more disruptive than their male counterparts,’ said McMahon. ‘Even at low levels of inflation, women take a bigger economic hit, which would explain the dissatisfaction.’

Despite the BoE’s rate-setting committee now having a female majority, the bank continues to struggle with public perception among women.

For more insights on women’s attitudes to money and investment, head to our FemFin: Female-forward Finance report.

Photography by Mikhail Nilov, US

Strategic opportunity

As women often prioritise saving and cost-cutting over wage negotiation, businesses should not only develop tailored financial products – such as flexible savings accounts, budgeting tools and discount-based loyalty schemes – but also empower women to confidently advocate for higher pay

Stat: US wellness economy surpasses £1.6 trillion milestone

Remedy Place, US

US – The US wellness economy has officially surpassed £1.6 trillion ($2 trillion, €1.9 trillion) for the first time, according to a new report from the Global Wellness Institute. The global wellness sector, which spans industries from nutrition to wellness tourism, reached £5 trillion ($6.3 trillion, €6.1 trillion) in 2023, marking a 25% increase since 2019.

The report, released in January 2025, highlights a remarkable recovery for the industry, especially as the pandemic sparked heightened consumer interest in preventative healthcare. Ophelia Yeung, senior research fellow at the Global Wellness Institute, emphasised the shift in consumer priorities: ‘Wellness is no longer seen as just pampering,’ she said. ‘Consumers are turning to wellness to improve their healthspan – the number of years a person is free from major disease or illness.’

This surge reflects a growing desire for healthier, longer lives, with wellness now seen as an essential investment in one’s long-term wellbeing.

For more insights on the emerging innovations and businesses leading the way in this sector, check out our Health & Wellness and Longevity topics.

Strategic opportunity

Consumers crave healthspan hacks – consider using AI and data analytics to create personalised wellness plans, fitness routines and nutrition guides. Incorporate innovative solutions in preventative healthcare, such as wearables and diagnostic tools, to address healthspan needs