From Fortune:

A new class of weight-loss drugs is showing promise in helping patients lose substantial amounts of weight without surgery. Novo Nordisk A/S’s Ozempic and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound are among the drugs drawing attention, with studies showing significant weight loss results. However, these drugs come with a high price tag, limited insurance coverage, and potential long-term health risks.

The weight-loss drugs work by mimicking a hormone, GLP-1, that reduces appetite and increases feelings of satiety in the brain. Drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound have been shown to help patients lose about 15% to 21% of their body weight, as well as improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, these drugs can also cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Despite the potential benefits of weight-loss drugs, there are limitations and barriers to their wider use. Studies have shown that patients who stop taking Wegovy tend to regain the majority of their lost weight, and the high cost of these medications makes them inaccessible to many patients. Additionally, limited insurance coverage and potential long-term health risks pose significant challenges to widespread use of these drugs.

The success of these weight-loss drugs has led to a surge in research and development of new anti-obesity medications. More than 50 anti-obesity drugs are currently in clinical development, and sales of these drugs are projected to reach over $100 billion globally by 2030. This booming market has attracted the interest of various pharmaceutical companies, with many targeting different hormones and developing new forms of weight-loss drugs such as pills instead of injections.



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