Weight Loss Drugs Change Spending, Weight Loss Drugs Without Muscle Loss, Depressants Cause Weight Gain

Hey all,

Happy Monday! Today’s rundown is all about obesity/weight gain. Enjoy the rundown!

Jacob Brody (Co-Founder & CEO, ZorroRX)

(The Washington Post) Weight-Loss Drugs and Consumer Spending

The rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro is not just transforming individual health but also reshaping consumer spending habits and the broader economy. As millions of Americans reduce food intake, industries such as fast food and snacks are seeing declines, while sectors like fitness, high-end nutrition, and luxury apparel are benefiting. Analysts predict these drugs could boost U.S. GDP by 1% by 2028, as healthier lifestyles lead to shifts in spending and workforce productivity. Full Article

(Medscape) Next Generation Weight Loss Drugs Aim to Save Muscle

 Drugmakers are developing new weight-loss treatments designed to preserve muscle mass, addressing concerns about muscle loss seen with current GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound. Companies such as Eli Lilly, Regeneron, Scholar Rock, and Veru are testing drugs that target proteins linked to muscle growth, with Veru’s enobosarm showing promising results in reducing muscle loss when combined with Wegovy. Analysts estimate these new treatments could generate up to $5 billion annually by the decade’s end, but FDA approval may depend on demonstrating functional benefits like improved mobility. Full Article

(The Frontier Psychiatrists) Antidepressants Driving Obesity, Again

A new study in the Annals of Internal Medicine confirms that most commonly prescribed antidepressants contribute to significant weight gain within six months, with bupropion being the only exception. Dr. Owen Muir argues that psychiatry has relied too heavily on oral medications despite their metabolic risks and advocates for broader adoption of non-invasive brain stimulation as a safer, more effective treatment alternative. Given the serious health implications of medication-induced weight gain, it’s time to rethink first-line depression treatments. Full Article.