GLP-1 ‘wonder-drugs’ have crashed into the collective consciousness in recent months. Claims about easy weight loss have clogged our social media feeds. A tribe of followers has emerged. A hype cycle has developed.
What’s the substance behind the hype around these drugs--which have in fact been around for several years? And what impact could they have on the global battle against obesity and beyond, in places you might not have thought about yet?
In this Citi GPS report we’ll look at some of these questions, laying out the scale of the global obesity problem, describing how GLP-1 drugs work, and examining their potential to be part of the long-term solution.
And we’ll sketch out potential usage profiles and the resultant impacts across a range of sectors including healthcare, food and beverages and fashion.
We’ll also hear from several experts to help present a rounded view of current thinking around GLP-1s and the way ahead.
It’s clear that GLP-1s also have many profound medical benefits beyond reducing obesity.
There is evidence that they can help with a range of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and kidney disease. There are also suggestions they could have a role to play in treating dementia, and addictive behavior such as alcohol and nicotine abuse.
For some the jury is out on the long-term viability and desirability of GLP-1 drugs. This report is designed to bring academic rigor and insight, with an eye on commercial implications and impact, to this healthy debate.
