Weight Loss Drugs Could Add $1 Trillion to US Economy, But Shortages and High Prices Loom

• Goldman Sachs estimates that popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy could boost US GDP by up to 1% or $1 trillion over the next few years by improving health and increasing productivity.

• These glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) drugs were originally for diabetes but proved highly effective for weight loss.

• Poor health drags down US GDP by about 10% per year due to reduced workforce participation and productivity. Obesity contributes significantly.

• Demand for GLP-1 drugs has surged, forcing pharma companies to invest billions to expand production capacity amid shortages.

• Prices for Ozempic and Mounjaro were recently raised by 3.5-4.5% to $969-$1,069 for a 4-week supply, further increasing costs.