GLP-1s may save healthcare billions but could cost companies growth and revenues

GLP-1 impact should be big but lots of puts and takes

Almost 40% of US adults are obese and the US healthcare system spends nearly $173 billion a year on obesity-related medical costs. In the past, exercise and diet regiments were the best solutions for combating obesity but now there's an injectable called a GLP-1. These drugs trigger receptors in the brain to suppress appetites, cravings and addictive behaviors. Pete Galbo explains GLP-1s could mean less snacking but even years from now when penetration of these drugs is even higher, the impact on overall calorie consumption is likely to be small. Patients who were too obese for knee replacements could now be eligible, according Travis Steed, while some patients who lose weight may delay surgery for a period of time but its hard to see these drugs having a meaningful impact on knee replacement growth rates.

 

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