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Ozempic and Other Drugs by Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly Reshape Obesity Rates, Cut Grocery Spending by 6% in 2024

Jan 1, 2025, 02:16 PM

The rise of weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, developed by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, has significantly impacted obesity rates and the economy in 2024. These drugs have led to a decrease in adult obesity rates in the U.S. for the first time in over a decade. The medications, which work by suppressing appetite, are also showing potential in treating other conditions beyond weight loss, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and possibly brain disorders. The widespread adoption of these drugs is reshaping consumer behavior, with households reducing grocery spending by approximately 6% within six months of starting the medication. In Brazil, Rio de Janeiro's Mayor Eduardo Paes has initiated studies to distribute a generic version of Ozempic through public clinics, aiming to combat obesity. However, the high cost of these drugs remains a barrier to accessibility, prompting discussions on how to make them more affordable and available to those in need.