Governments should support “game-changing” weight-loss drugs in a way similar to the global rollout of vaccines during the pandemic, according to leading health experts. Speaking at the Global Healthspan Summit in Riyadh (February 4-5, 2025), specialists emphasized the need for a shift from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, with new medications playing a crucial role in reducing the economic and health burdens of obesity-related illnesses.
Obesity: A Growing Global Concern
Obesity is a major health crisis worldwide, contributing to diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. Traditional weight-loss methods like diet, exercise, and surgery have long been the primary solutions. However, they are often expensive, difficult to maintain, or not feasible for many patients.
The Rise of Obesity Medications
In recent years, drugs like semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have shown remarkable results in helping patients shed excess weight. However, high costs have limited their widespread use. Newer, more affordable versions could change that, making these treatments accessible to millions of people who need them the most.
How Affordable Obesity Drugs Could Reshape Health Care
1. Lowering Health Care Costs
Treating obesity-related illnesses costs billions of dollars annually. If effective weight-loss drugs become widely available, they could reduce the incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, leading to significant health care savings.
2. Expanding Access to Treatment
High drug prices have kept many patients from accessing these medications. Affordable options would allow people across different income levels to manage their weight effectively, reducing disparities in obesity treatment.
3. Changing the Stigma Around Obesity
Obesity has often been viewed as a result of poor lifestyle choices rather than a medical condition. With the rise of effective medications, obesity may be increasingly recognized as a treatable disease, shifting public perception and reducing stigma.
4. Workplace and Insurance Changes
If weight-loss drugs become more affordable, employers and insurance companies may be more likely to cover them, just as they do for other chronic disease medications. This could lead to a more proactive approach to obesity management.
The Riyadh conference made one thing clear: a fundamental shift in health care is needed. With affordable obesity drugs, emerging biotech solutions, and AI-driven diagnostics, nations can reduce health care costs, improve quality of life, and create economic stability.
By embracing proactive health measures, governments can reshape global health care—not just for those living today but for future generations. The question now is whether policymakers will act fast enough to seize this opportunity.
